Suspects of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked a Forward Operating Base in Logomani, Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State, late Tuesday night. The assault resulted in the death of a soldier and the burning of a police outpost, a primary healthcare centre, and two classrooms, according to military and local sources.
Military Response and Casualties
In a statement issued Thursday, Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant-Colonel Mohammed Goni, said troops repelled what he described as a coordinated attack. Although the attackers briefly breached part of the base's defensive perimeter, troops regrouped and forced them to retreat after inflicting casualties.
"Regrettably, one gallant soldier paid the supreme sacrifice, while two gun trucks and some combat enablers sustained damage during the engagement," the statement read. The military added that reinforcements have been deployed and exploitation operations are ongoing to strengthen defences.
Destruction of Civilian Infrastructure
Residents reported that after the confrontation, the gunmen entered the community and set fire to public facilities. A resident who requested anonymity for security reasons said, "We all left the community during the attack. The terrorists were very sophisticated. After they overpowered the Army, they entered the school and burnt down two classrooms. They also attacked a police outpost and a hospital, which they burnt down."
Premium Times could not independently verify the claim that attackers "overpowered" the troops. However, the military confirmed a temporary breach of the base's perimeter. A local security source said a combined team of soldiers, police, and Civilian Joint Task Force members pursued the fleeing attackers.
Local Government Assessment
Ngala Local Government Area Chairman Mala Ngala visited Logomani on Wednesday to assess the damage. He inspected the burnt facilities and said the findings would be forwarded to the Borno State Government for intervention. He appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.
Broader Context
The attack highlights the continued vulnerability of frontline communities in northern Borno despite sustained military offensives. It coincides with Operation HADIN KAI's recent gains, including rescuing abductees, receiving surrenders from suspected ISWAP members, and arresting suspected terrorist logistics suppliers across Borno and Adamawa states.
