In a devastating attack, Boko Haram militants launched a well-coordinated assault on a Nigerian Army base in Malam-Fatori, Borno State, on Friday, January 24, 2025.

The attack, which targeted the 149 Battalion base in Abadam Local Government Area near Nigeria’s border with Niger Republic, left over 20 soldiers dead, with several others still missing. This area, long regarded as a refuge for people displaced by insurgency, witnessed one of the deadliest assaults in recent times.

Details of the Attack

Military sources revealed that the attack began early in the morning and raged for hours. The insurgents stormed the base using multiple gun trucks, unleashing chaos and destruction. They set military vehicles ablaze, destroyed key buildings, and inflicted significant damage on the facility. Among the casualties were the battalion’s commanding officer, two senior officers, and the base medical director.

In addition to the fatalities, numerous soldiers sustained severe injuries, and several remain unaccounted for, raising fears of further losses. Reports suggest that some personnel may have been captured during the attack.

Rising Insurgency in the Region

This tragic incident came just days after a similar assault on the military's Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Damboa, also in Borno State. That attack, which left multiple soldiers dead and others missing, was later claimed by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a faction of Boko Haram.

ISWAP has grown into a significant threat since the death of Boko Haram's former leader, Abubakar Shekau. The group has absorbed many former Boko Haram fighters and has expanded its influence across the Lake Chad region. Their increasing strength has been marked by a series of high-profile attacks on military and civilian targets, intensifying security challenges in northeastern Nigeria.

The Way Forward

As Boko Haram and ISWAP continue to escalate their activities, the need for enhanced military strategies and regional cooperation has never been greater. This latest attack underscores the persistent threat of insurgency in Nigeria, emphasizing the urgent need for decisive action to protect lives and restore stability to the affected areas.