Eight soldiers killed as Boko Haram attacks army base in Borno

Boko Haram insurgents have attacked a Nigerian Army formation along the Mandara–Buratai Road in Borno State, killing at least eight soldiers in a pre-dawn assault on the 162 Battalion.

Military sources said the attack occurred around 4 a.m. on Friday, with the insurgents allegedly taking advantage of heavy rainfall to approach the base unnoticed.

A security source familiar with the incident said the attackers stormed the facility in large numbers, overwhelming parts of the garrison and inflicting casualties on troops stationed there.

According to Sahara Reporters, several soldiers were also reportedly injured during the assault, while reinforcement teams were subsequently deployed to the area to secure the location and assess the extent of the damage.

As of the time of filing this report, military authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

The latest attack adds to a growing list of assaults on military formations in northeastern Nigeria, particularly in Borno and Yobe states, where insurgent groups have intensified operations since the beginning of 2025.

Among recent incidents, fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) reportedly attacked a military base in Monguno in April, killing the base commander and several soldiers. Other attacks have been recorded in Benesheikh, New Marte, Rann and Wulgo, resulting in significant military casualties and the destruction of equipment.

Security experts have warned that insurgent groups are increasingly carrying out coordinated attacks on military positions, raising concerns about the evolving security situation in the North-East.

In April, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum expressed concern over renewed attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP, saying the insurgents had intensified operations against communities and security formations across the state.

The insurgency, which began in 2009, has caused widespread devastation across northeastern Nigeria. According to the United Nations, the conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced more than two million people.

Friday’s attack underscores the continuing security challenges facing troops engaged in counterinsurgency operations under Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East.