KEY POINTS

• The Nigerian Army confirmed that ISWAP fighters attacked the Magumeri military base in Borno State.
• The military said two soldiers were killed, while several terrorists were allegedly neutralised during the clash.
• Security sources claimed the insurgents overwhelmed parts of the base and carted away weapons and military vehicles.

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked the Forward Operating Base in Magumeri, Borno State, during the early hours of Friday.

According to the military, the insurgents launched the assault under the cover of darkness and poor visibility, managing to breach an isolated part of the military facility before troops pushed them back after intense gunfire.

In a statement released by the spokesperson for Joint Task Force North-East Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the army said troops “gallantly and decisively” defeated the attackers.

The military added that several terrorists were allegedly killed during the encounter, while troops also recovered weapons abandoned by fleeing insurgents.

Army Confirms Casualties, Injuries

The army admitted that two soldiers lost their lives during the attack, while an officer and other injured personnel are currently receiving medical treatment.

The statement also revealed that some military equipment and temporary structures inside the base were destroyed by fire during the clash.

According to the military, follow-up operations around the area uncovered blood trails, dragged bodies, and corpses believed to belong to the attackers.

Recovered weapons reportedly included PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, AK-47 rifles, and ammunition magazines.

Before the military released its statement, security sources had alleged that the terrorists stormed the base with more than 10 gun trucks and overwhelmed troops stationed there.

The sources claimed that several soldiers were killed, while others, including the base commander, Lieutenant Colonel Manu, sustained injuries during the surprise night attack.

They also alleged that the insurgents carted away military operational vehicles, arms, and ammunition after invading the base.

Magumeri, located about 35 kilometres from Maiduguri, has repeatedly witnessed attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters over the years.

The latest incident adds to a growing number of attacks on military formations across the North-East region.