The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has launched a devastating attack on a Nigerian military Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Wajiroko, Borno State, killing several soldiers and injuring senior officers including the Brigade Commander.
According to military signals obtained by credible sources, the assault began around 10pm on Monday when terrorists stormed the base, prompting immediate calls for air support and ground reinforcements. The initial response team was ambushed after encountering an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along the Main Supply Route, severely hampering rescue efforts.
A second reinforcement team led by Brigadier General UF Abubakar faced similar challenges when their convoy struck another IED between Damboa and Azir Bridge. The explosion claimed the lives of three soldiers while leaving the Brigade Commander and two other personnel with serious injuries.
Drone surveillance footage reviewed by military officials revealed alarming scenes of troops retreating toward Sabongari amidst visible fires raging through the base, strongly suggesting the facility may have been temporarily overrun by insurgents. The Phantom pilot conducting aerial reconnaissance reported observing scores of soldiers fleeing the compound, indicating a potential breach of defensive positions.
The Nigerian Army has maintained operational silence regarding the incident, though internal communications confirm troops remain on maximum alert across the area of responsibility. Security analysts note this attack demonstrates ISWAP’s continued capacity to execute complex, multi-pronged assaults despite sustained counterterrorism operations in the region.
This latest assault occurs amid heightened militant activity in northeastern Nigeria, with terrorist groups increasingly employing IEDs and coordinated ambush tactics against military formations. The incident at FOB Wajiroko represents one of the most significant security breaches in recent months, raising fresh concerns about the protection of strategic installations in the conflict zone.
Defense headquarters is expected to issue a formal statement once damage assessments and casualty verification are complete. Meanwhile, reinforcement operations continue as military planners work to stabilize the security situation in the affected area.
The attack underscores the persistent threat posed by terrorist elements in the Lake Chad basin region and the evolving challenges facing Nigeria’s counterinsurgency efforts. Military sources indicate a comprehensive review of base protection protocols may be necessary following this security breach.
As the situation develops, residents in surrounding communities have been advised to remain vigilant while security forces work to restore order. This incident marks a sobering reminder of the ongoing sacrifices made by Nigerian troops in the fight against terrorism.
