Date: March 13, 2026
Reporter: Dalena Reporters
A military strategist has revealed that Boko Haram militants frequently launch attacks on Nigerian military positions at night, deliberately exploiting periods when air support from the Nigerian Air Force is usually unavailable.
According to the security expert, the insurgents have adopted a strategy of attacking under the cover of darkness, knowing that the absence of aerial surveillance and rapid air response gives them a tactical advantage against ground troops.
Night Attacks Give Insurgents Strategic Advantage
The strategist explained that Boko Haram fighters carefully plan their operations around the limitations of Nigeria’s air support capabilities, which often makes it difficult for the military to deploy fighter jets or attack helicopters during certain nighttime operations.
“Boko Haram attacks are mostly launched against troop positions at night knowing that air support is usually unavailable,” the strategist said while discussing the insurgents’ tactics.
Security experts say this approach allows militants to ambush soldiers, overrun military bases, and escape before reinforcements arrive, making it harder for the military to respond quickly.
Rising Attacks on Military Bases
The warning comes amid a recent surge in attacks against Nigerian military installations, particularly in the northeastern states of Borno and Yobe, where Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), remain active.
Recent coordinated raids by jihadist groups on military bases have resulted in the deaths of several soldiers and the looting of military equipment, including vehicles, weapons, and ammunition.
Analysts say these attacks demonstrate the militants’ increasing operational sophistication and ability to exploit weaknesses in Nigeria’s security structure.
Long-Running Insurgency
Nigeria has been battling the Boko Haram insurgency for more than a decade. The extremist group and its factions continue to carry out raids on communities, kidnappings, and attacks on security forces across the Lake Chad region.
Despite ongoing military operations and international support aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capabilities, insurgents remain capable of launching large-scale attacks on both civilians and military targets.
Calls for Stronger Military Strategy
The strategist urged Nigerian authorities to improve night-time surveillance, air support readiness, and intelligence gathering to counter the militants’ tactics.
Security analysts warn that without stronger coordination between ground troops and air units, insurgents could continue exploiting operational gaps to launch deadly attacks on military positions.