In a devastating attack, suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists have killed a military commander, two senior officers, and 17 soldiers during a raid on a military base in Malam-Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State. This assault occurred just two days after the massacre of 20 fishermen in Gadan Gari, Bama Local Government Area, highlighting an alarming resurgence of violence in the region.
Malam-Fatori, located near Nigeria’s border with Niger, became the scene of chaos as insurgents overran the 149 Battalion on Friday, January 24, 2025. Witnesses and intelligence sources revealed that the attackers arrived in multiple gun trucks, unleashing destruction that included the burning of buildings and operational vehicles.
Reports indicate that survivors fled for safety, while several soldiers sustained injuries, and an unspecified number of personnel remain missing. Among the casualties were the commanding officer, two senior officers, and the base’s medical director.
A source explained, “The attack was severe, and the terrorists had the upper hand for hours. Many soldiers are injured, and the base suffered significant damage. This comes just weeks after a similar attack on the Forward Operating Base in Sabon Gari, Damboa Local Government Area, where an unconfirmed number of soldiers were killed, and many remain missing.”
Earlier in the week, in Gadan Gari, armed insurgents attacked the fishing community at 11:00 am on Wednesday, indiscriminately opening fire on fishermen and killing at least 20 people. Modu Ari, a civilian joint task force member, recounted the horrifying event, stating, “They stormed the area and killed without mercy. We buried over 15 people, and many families are in mourning.”
Local residents are increasingly alarmed by the resurgence of terrorist activity in Borno State, particularly as it disrupts ongoing efforts by the state government to resettle internally displaced persons (IDPs) in their ancestral homes.
The string of attacks, including the earlier massacre of over 40 farmers in Dumba, Kukawa Local Government Area, underscores the urgent need for intensified security measures. Analysts argue that the federal government and military must act decisively to restore peace and protect lives in the region.
Hobnob News reached out to military officials and the Borno State government for comments, but as of press time, no official statements have been issued.
This wave of violence serves as a sobering reminder of the critical work that lies ahead to reclaim security in Nigeria’s northeastern region.
