Scores of terrorists have been killed following a major attack on a Nigerian military base in Borno State, as troops successfully repelled a coordinated assault by heavily armed fighters.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Friday at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Azir, located in one of the conflict-prone areas of Borno State. The terrorists reportedly stormed the area with dangerous weapons, including machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), in what military sources described as a large-scale and well-planned assault.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant A.S. Atokolo.
According to the statement, the terrorists launched a multi-directional attack, attempting to overrun the military base by approaching from different directions at the same time.
“Heavily armed terrorists carried out a large-scale, multi-directional attack on Forward Operating Base Azir. They initially attempted to breach part of the defensive perimeter but were met with overwhelming and sustained firepower from gallant troops,” the statement said.
Troops at the base, supported by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai and other Nigerian Army aerial platforms, quickly responded to the attack. The exchange of gunfire reportedly lasted for more than an hour.
Military sources said the soldiers stood their ground despite the intensity of the attack and the heavy weapons used by the terrorists.
“After a prolonged firefight that lasted for over an hour, the terrorists were decisively overpowered and forced to withdraw,” the statement added.
During the battle, some parts of the military base were damaged. Rocket-propelled grenades fired by the attackers hit troop-carrying vehicles and the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) control room. These facilities were partially destroyed by fire.
Despite the damage, the military said the troops maintained control of the base and prevented the terrorists from gaining entry.
“Despite this, troops maintained firm control of the situation,” Lieutenant Atokolo said.
After the terrorists were forced to retreat, soldiers carried out a search of the area and recovered several weapons and ammunition abandoned by the fleeing fighters. Items recovered included a 60mm mortar tube, mortar bombs, locally made explosives, heavy machine gun rounds, and hundreds of rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.
The military said the operation did not end with the successful defence of the base. Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms were immediately deployed to track the terrorists as they fled the area.
According to the statement, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai followed the terrorists along their escape routes and carried out precision air strikes.
“The precision strikes by Nigerian Air Force platforms resulted in the neutralisation of additional scores of the terrorists, dealing a severe blow to the group’s fighting strength and morale,” the statement said.
Military officials said evidence gathered after the operation confirmed that the terrorists suffered heavy casualties during both the ground battle and the follow-up air strikes.
Although the exact number of casualties on both sides was not disclosed, the military described the operation as a major success.
The attack on FOB Azir is the latest in a series of assaults on military locations in the North-East, where terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been active for more than a decade.
Borno State has remained the epicentre of the insurgency, which began in 2009. The conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions of people across the region. Despite sustained military operations, terrorist groups continue to carry out attacks on communities, security forces, and key infrastructure.
In recent months, there have been renewed concerns about attacks on military bases, especially in remote areas. Analysts say these attacks are often aimed at stealing weapons, weakening troop morale, and gaining publicity.
However, the military has insisted that it remains firmly in control of the situation and continues to adapt its strategies to counter evolving threats.
Operation Hadin Kai is the Nigerian military’s main counter-terrorism operation in the North-East. It involves close cooperation between the Army, Air Force, Navy, and other security agencies. The operation also works with local vigilante groups and international partners to gather intelligence and improve security.
“The ability to track and strike fleeing terrorists shows progress in intelligence and air power,” a security analyst said. “It also sends a strong message that attacks on military bases will come at a high cost.”
Residents in nearby communities expressed relief that the attack was repelled, but many remain worried about ongoing insecurity. Some locals said they heard loud explosions and gunfire during the early morning hours, which forced them to stay indoors.
The Nigerian military has urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies by providing useful information and avoiding areas where military operations are ongoing.
The defence authorities have also reassured Nigerians that efforts are being intensified to protect military personnel and civilian populations.
While the latest attack highlights the continued threat posed by terrorist groups, the successful defence of FOB Azir and the reported heavy losses suffered by the attackers have been seen as a morale boost for troops on the frontlines.
As operations continue across Borno and other parts of the North-East, the military says it remains committed to ending terrorism and restoring lasting peace to the region.