Several Nigerian soldiers have reportedly been killed after militants from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), formerly known as Boko Haram’s Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād, attacked a military base in Sabon Gari, Damboa LGA, Borno State.
Military sources told SaharaReporters that the assault occurred on Thursday, with insurgents opening fire on the base, resulting in multiple casualties among soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
“There was an attack, many soldiers were killed, but I don’t have the correct figure yet,” a source said on Saturday. During the raid, the gunmen burned armored tanks and military vehicles and seized an unknown quantity of ammunition. ISWAP has claimed responsibility, releasing a video showing fighters firing at the facility.
This attack follows a deadly ambush on Monday, January 26, 2026, in which seven military personnel—including newly promoted Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed—were killed while traveling from Maiduguri to Damasak, Mobbar LGA. Military sources reported the terrorists used explosives and heavy gunfire, leaving several soldiers seriously injured and an unknown number missing.
Since the death of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau, ISWAP has expanded its influence around Lake Chad, attracting hundreds of former Boko Haram fighters. Despite repeated claims by the Nigerian Army that the insurgency has been largely contained, the group continues to inflict heavy casualties. Boko Haram and its factions have caused over 100,000 deaths and displaced millions, primarily in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states.
