February 6, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
BORNO, Nigeria — Several Nigerian military personnel are feared dead after a series of attacks by the extremist group Boko Haram on an Army base in Borno State, security sources and residents reported on Friday, underscoring ongoing instability in parts of northeast Nigeria.
According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary reports from local officials, the attacks occurred in the early hours of Friday at a military installation in a community close to the border with Cameroon. Residents described hearing a sequence of explosions and gunfire, prompting many nearby villagers to flee to safer areas.
The Borno State Government and the Nigerian Army have not yet released confirmed casualty figures, but sources familiar with the situation said that the base came under sustained pressure during the assault and that several soldiers may have been fatally wounded or severely injured. “The situation is still unfolding,” one local security informant told SaharaReporters, noting that communication challenges have made it difficult to get full details.
Officials within the military said troops at the base engaged the attackers and that reinforcements were mobilised from nearby units to contain the situation and protect civilians. In a brief statement, the Army spokesperson acknowledged the attack and appealed to families of service members to remain calm while full assessments are carried out. The statement also said that soldiers’ welfare and safety remain top priorities.
Boko Haram a designated extremist group that has operated in the Lake Chad basin for more than a decade has been responsible for repeated assaults on security forces and civilian communities in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. Previous offensives have included raids on villages, ambushes of patrols and attempts to overrun isolated military installations. Federal and regional forces have intensified operations in recent years, but sporadic attacks continue to pose risks to both soldiers and residents.
Humanitarian and local leaders expressed concern about the renewed violence as families in affected communities reported further internal displacement and disruption of daily life. Some residents said they are now hesitant to return to farms or marketplaces near the conflict zone, underscoring the broader social and economic impact of insecurity in the northeast.
Security analysts described the attack as part of the evolving dynamics of the insurgency, noting that armed groups often exploit remote terrain and gaps in surveillance to launch targeted strikes. They urged continued coordination among the Nigerian military, regional task forces and local communities to strengthen early warning systems and response capabilities.
As official figures are expected to be released in the coming hours, authorities are emphasising the need for restraint and urging residents in nearby towns to comply with safety advisories from security agencies. The federal government has not yet commented publicly on the incident, but sources said senior defence officials are monitoring developments and preparing a comprehensive response.