In a chilling escalation of violence, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) launched a deadly assault on a Nigerian Army base in Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, left an unconfirmed number of soldiers dead and many others unaccounted for, marking another grim chapter in Nigeria’s battle against insurgency.
Security sources disclosed that ISWAP operatives stormed the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Sabon Gari at approximately 4:00 a.m., unleashing a barrage of heavy weaponry on the military facility. “The terror group invaded the camp using various weapons, and so far, we have recovered over seven bodies,” a military source revealed.
Photographs of Devastation Released
Following the attack, ISWAP released photographs showcasing the devastation they inflicted, including images of armed militants firing at the facility and destroyed military vehicles. In a statement accompanying the images, the group claimed responsibility for the assault, boasting of killing several soldiers and destroying 12 military vehicles, including two armored tanks.
The photographs serve as a stark reminder of ISWAP’s operational capabilities and their resolve to challenge Nigerian military narratives of progress in the war against insurgency.
Military Casualties and Missing Soldiers
While official casualty figures remain undisclosed, reports suggest significant losses. A source close to the operation disclosed that numerous soldiers were killed, with many still unaccounted for. “The attack caught us off guard, and the casualties are overwhelming,” the source added, underscoring the challenges facing Nigerian forces in the northeast region.
This incident comes just months after President Bola Tinubu assured Nigerians of unprecedented progress in the fight against terror. In October 2024, Tinubu stated, “We are winning the war on terror and banditry at an unprecedented rate.” However, the recent attack raises questions about the government’s ability to sustain its claimed gains.
ISWAP’s Growing Influence
Since the death of Abubakar Shekau, the notorious leader of the Boko Haram faction Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād (JAS), ISWAP has grown more formidable. The group has consolidated its control over territories around Lake Chad, drawing defectors from Shekau’s faction.
Analysts believe that ISWAP’s organizational structure and tactical alliances make it a more cohesive and dangerous entity than its predecessor. According to security expert Kabiru Adamu, “ISWAP operates with a centralized command structure, unlike Boko Haram under Shekau, which often acted chaotically. This makes them a more disciplined and calculated threat.”
The group’s escalating attacks and its ability to seize military assets highlight its resilience, even as the Nigerian Army claims significant victories.
A Decade of Devastation
The ongoing insurgency has left over 100,000 people dead and displaced millions, particularly in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states. The region’s humanitarian crisis has been further compounded by recurring attacks on military installations, leaving troops vulnerable and civilians exposed to continued violence.
Despite repeated claims of victory, the Nigerian Army has faced criticism for downplaying losses and failing to adapt to the insurgents’ evolving tactics. “We often hear about victories against the insurgents, but on the ground, the reality is different,” lamented a humanitarian worker in Maiduguri, who requested anonymity.
Government Response and Public Sentiment
The Nigerian government has yet to release an official statement regarding the attack, leaving many citizens questioning the transparency of military operations. Public sentiment remains divided, with some commending the government’s efforts while others express frustration over the recurring nature of such incidents.
“I’m tired of hearing the same stories. Every year, it’s the same promise of defeating terrorism, but nothing changes,” said Ahmed Ibrahim, a resident of Maiduguri.
Military sources, however, emphasize that progress is being made, albeit with setbacks. “We are dealing with a resilient enemy. These battles are not won overnight,” said an Army official who declined to be named.
Call for International Support
The latest attack underscores the need for sustained international collaboration in Nigeria’s fight against terror. Experts have called for enhanced intelligence sharing, funding, and logistical support from global partners to bolster the Nigerian military’s capabilities.
While the United States, the United Kingdom, and other allies have provided assistance, critics argue that more robust interventions are necessary to dismantle groups like ISWAP.
A Wake-Up Call for Military Reform
The Damboa attack has reignited calls for reforms within the Nigerian military. Analysts point to gaps in intelligence, inadequate equipment, and low morale among troops as key factors enabling insurgents to stage such audacious operations.
Security analyst Abiodun Adewale stressed, “Our military needs to prioritize better training, modern equipment, and improved welfare for soldiers. Without these, we cannot expect to defeat a group as sophisticated as ISWAP.”
The attack also highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of insurgency, including poverty, unemployment, and governance deficits in the northeast region.
