January 31, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters Staff Correspondent
BAUCHI, Nigeria — Militants from the Islamic State-aligned faction of Boko Haram, known as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), launched a fierce assault on a Nigerian Army base in the Sabon Gari area of Damboa Local Government in Borno State, resulting in multiple fatalities and significant equipment losses, military sources told Dalena Reporters.
The attack, which occurred on Thursday, saw insurgents storm the military formation, firing sporadically and inflicting “numerous casualties,” including deaths among Nigerian soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) — a local volunteer force that assists the military in counter-insurgency operations.
A security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that an undetermined number of soldiers were killed during the engagement but could not immediately provide exact figures. “There was an attack, many soldiers were killed, but I don’t have the correct figure yet,” the source told Sahara Reporters.
Beyond loss of life, the militants reportedly burnt armoured tanks and military vehicles and seized unspecified quantities of ammunition before withdrawing from the base. ISWAP later released a statement claiming responsibility for the assault, accompanied by video footage showing fighters firing sporadically toward the military facility.
This latest incident follows another deadly confrontation earlier in the week, during which seven military personnel including a newly-promoted Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed — were killed when they were ambushed by insurgents while en route from Maiduguri to Damasak in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State. In that earlier ambush on Monday, January 26, personnel were targeted with explosives and heavy gunfire, leading to multiple deaths, serious injuries, and a number of soldiers reported missing.
Security analysts say the insurgency in northeastern Nigeria remains resilient despite ongoing government operations, and attacks on military targets underscore persistent challenges in counter-insurgency efforts. Borno State, long a stronghold of Boko Haram and its splinter factions, continues to experience frequent militant activity that jeopardizes both civilian and security personnel.