In a fresh wave of coordinated attacks on military bases across Borno State, Boko Haram terrorists have killed at least four soldiers, marking a deadly escalation of insurgent activities in the region. The strikes, which took place early Tuesday, targeted military installations in Rann, Gajiram, and Dikwa, with multiple casualties reported.
The assault began in the early hours of the day when armed militants launched an offensive on the military base in Rann, located in the remote Kala-Balge Local Government Area. Security sources have confirmed that four soldiers lost their lives during the attack, while six others sustained injuries. “We lost four soldiers while four sustained gunshot wounds. They also set ablaze MRAP, a gun truck, and a Russian-made T-72,” a local military source revealed.
A resident from the area described the chaos that unfolded when insurgents overran the base around midnight. “The military retreated. They looted weapons, including gun trucks, before leaving the base,” the resident said, adding that the terrorists withdrew only when a fighter jet arrived for aerial support. It was a reminder of the tragedy that struck Rann back in 2017, when an accidental airstrike by a Nigerian fighter jet hit a refugee camp, killing dozens.
Meanwhile, similar attacks took place in Gajiram, the headquarters of Nganzai Local Government Area. Although the insurgents were forced to retreat after heavy resistance from the military, the battle left several insurgents dead.
The intensity of the attack in Gajiram indicates that the insurgents may be seeking to isolate the strategic town of Monguno before launching a more significant assault. “The terrorists recorded heavy casualties and were forced to retreat during simultaneous attacks in Rann, Gajiram, and Dikwa,” said one of the soldiers involved in the counter-offensive.
Dikwa, another key military base, also came under attack, but Nigerian forces managed to repel the insurgents with aerial support. The latest round of attacks follows a similar assault on Marte, which led to the deaths of several soldiers and left many others missing.
Despite the setbacks, the Nigerian military has reaffirmed its commitment to defeating Boko Haram. In a statement, Captain Reuben Kovangiya, the Army’s Public Relations Officer for Operation Hadin Kai, noted that while the military had successfully repelled the majority of attacks, the one in Rann led to the tragic loss of four soldiers. He added, “We will completely defeat this terrorism and restore peace to the region once and for all.”
Security experts have warned of the growing sophistication of the insurgents. Reports indicate that Boko Haram and their offshoot, ISWAP, have begun using drones for surveillance, which has made their attacks more precise and effective. A source stated, “The terrorists are now having a field day because they are using sophisticated technology.”
The recent surge in attacks has sparked further concern among local officials, including Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, who condemned the violence and extended his condolences to the families of the victims. Governor Zulum also pledged continued collaboration with federal security agencies to address the ongoing insurgency.
The Senate has called for immediate reinforcements in the region to combat the resurgent violence. During a session on Tuesday, Borno Senator Tahir Monguno urged the federal government to deploy more military personnel and modern technology to secure the region and prevent further loss of life.
