Boko Haram Ambush in Borno State Leaves Seven Soldiers Dead, Thirteen Captured
In a tragic escalation of violence in Nigeria's northeast, suspected Boko Haram terrorists have ambushed Nigerian Army troops in Borno State, resulting in significant casualties and captures. The attack, which occurred on Monday, January 26, 2026, has left seven soldiers dead and thirteen others captured, including their commanding officer, a major.
Details of the Damasak Ambush
The incident unfolded around 2:00 PM local time (1400 GMT) as the soldiers were conducting a routine patrol in the Damasak area of Borno State. According to security sources briefed on the matter, the terrorists launched a sudden and coordinated assault, catching the troops off guard. The ensuing gun battle was described as fierce, with the soldiers struggling against overwhelming enemy forces.
During the confrontation, seven soldiers lost their lives while eleven managed to escape the ambush site. However, thirteen troops were captured by the terrorists, with the commanding officer among those taken. A security source revealed, "The major fought hard, but in the end, he was captured, and his phone was taken by Boko Haram."
Military Response and Recovery Efforts
Following the attack, a military rescue team was deployed to the scene. The team successfully recovered the bodies of the fallen soldiers but has been unable to locate the missing troops who were captured. In a disturbing development, attempts to contact the captured major via his phone have been answered by individuals claiming to be ISWAP terrorists, confirming their custody of the soldiers.
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the exact casualty figures. While initial accounts indicated seven deaths, some sources, including Daily Trust, reported that nine soldiers were killed and over a dozen remain missing. Ya-Mulam Kadai, a spokesman for a government-funded anti-jihadist militia, stated that the military search team recovered nine bodies from the ambush site.
Context of Ongoing Security Challenges
This ambush occurs against a backdrop of persistent insecurity in Borno State and the wider northeast region. The terrorists reportedly used advanced tactics during the attack, including detonating an explosive device planted on the road beforehand, which increased casualties and confusion among the soldiers.
The incident follows recent reports of Boko Haram attacks in other communities, such as the killing of a pastor and four others in Tarfa Village, Borno State, where locals returning from farming were targeted. These events underscore the continuous threat posed by terrorist groups in the area.
Military Operations and Future Outlook
Despite this setback, the Nigerian military has reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing operations in the northeast. Under Operation Hadin Kai, troops have previously foiled Boko Haram ambushes along strategic axes like the Sambisa and Mandara Mountains, recovering weapons, explosives, and communication equipment.
The Army has stated that operations will be sustained across the North-East, even in the face of recent casualties from separate clearance operations. This determination highlights the complex and protracted nature of the counter-insurgency efforts in Nigeria.
