ISWAP Militants Launch Deadly Assault on Nigerian Military Base in Borno State
Militants affiliated with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have executed a brutal raid on a Nigerian military installation in Borno State, resulting in the deaths of eight soldiers and injuries to 23 others. The attack, which occurred on Monday at a base in Cross Kauwa village, underscores the escalating intensity of jihadist violence in Nigeria's northeastern region, where both ISWAP and Boko Haram persistently target military positions.
Details of the Coordinated Attack and Casualties
According to three security sources who spoke to AFP on February 18, approximately 70 militants riding motorcycles stormed the military base, initiating a fierce gun battle. A military officer confirmed the casualty figures, stating, "Eight soldiers paid the supreme price, and 23 others sustained injuries." The attackers, reportedly mobilizing from a camp on Dabar Masara island in Lake Chad, made a long detour to strike the base, as noted by PUNCH. Two members of an anti-jihadist militia supporting the military corroborated the same casualty numbers.
One militia source provided further details, explaining, "The terrorists burnt down the base along with 11 gun trucks and took away the anti-aircraft guns mounted on them." The base, situated 24 kilometers from the fishing hub of Baga, has served as a critical defensive position protecting the town from jihadist incursions, making this assault particularly significant.
Intensified Jihadist Campaign Against Military Installations
This attack is part of a broader pattern of intensified assaults by ISWAP and rival group Boko Haram on military installations in Nigeria's northeast. Over the same weekend, jihadists targeted two other bases in Borno State. Late on Saturday, ISWAP fighters attacked a base in Mandaragirau near the Sambisa forest enclave, resulting in casualties among soldiers and militia members, according to a military statement. In a separate incident, Boko Haram assaulted a base in Pulka near the Cameroon border, destroying military equipment and accommodation before reinforcements repelled the attack.
Humanitarian Toll and Regional Security Implications
The United Nations estimates that jihadist violence has claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced approximately two million people in Nigeria's northeast since 2009. The conflict has extended into neighboring countries, including Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, leading to the formation of a regional military coalition. However, this coalition has weakened in recent years following Niger's withdrawal after a diplomatic dispute with Nigeria in the aftermath of Niger's 2023 military coup.
In response to the ongoing threat, the United States is deploying troops to Nigeria to provide technical and training support in the fight against jihadist groups. US Africa Command has announced that 200 troops are expected to join the deployment overall, aiming to bolster regional security efforts.
Recent Counter-Terrorism Operations by Nigerian Forces
Despite these challenges, Nigerian forces have achieved some successes in counter-terrorism operations. Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation HADIN KAI recently killed scores of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Borno State. The operation, which followed credible intelligence on the movement of over 100 Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs), involved ambushing a logistics convoy in the Sojiri and Kayamla communities, demonstrating ongoing efforts to combat insurgent activities.
The persistent violence in the region highlights the complex security landscape, with jihadist groups continuing to pose a severe threat to military and civilian populations alike. The Nigerian government and international partners remain engaged in strategies to address the root causes and immediate dangers of this protracted conflict.
