At least three Nigerian soldiers have been killed after Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (BHT/ISWAP) militants attacked a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Wajiroko, Borno State.
The assault, which occurred around 10 p.m. on Monday, led to casualties among Nigerian troops, including the Brigade Commander and two other soldiers who were wounded.
A military signal obtained on Tuesday indicated that full details of the attack remain uncertain. However, surveillance drone footage showed fire at the base and soldiers retreating toward Sabongari, suggesting the insurgents may have overrun the base.
The signal states: “At approximately 242205A MAR 25, own troops at FOB Wajiroko came under attack by BHT/ISWAP terrorists. This prompted the Brigade to call for air support in addition to deploying a reinforcement (RFT) team immediately. However, the RFT team encountered an IED along the MSR. Consequently, a second RFT, led by Comd 25 BDE, Brig Gen UF Abubakar (N/10661), was dispatched toward Azir Bridge.
“At approximately 250045A MAR 25, while the second RFT was still en route, the Brigade Commander’s Hilux vehicle encountered an IED between Damboa and Azir Bridge. As a result of the explosion, some three Soldiers were KIA. Additionally, the Brigade Commander and two soldiers, 22NA/82/5757 PTE Mohammed Hashim and 12NA/68/7570 CPL Ibrahim Musa, sustained injuries (WIA).
“Details of the attack on the FOB remain sketchy. However, the Phantom pilot reported observing fire around the FOB and saw scores of soldiers running toward Sabongari, suggesting that the FOB may have been dislodged. Further details of the attack will be provided as soon as they become available.
“The general security situation within the AOR remains fluid. Troops remain on maximum alert.”
The identities of the deceased soldiers are being withheld as their families have not yet been informed.
The Nigerian military has not issued an official statement, but sources indicate that reinforcement efforts are ongoing, and troops remain on high alert as they assess the situation in the area.
