NGAMDU, Borno (BN24)— A deadly attack by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants has left several Nigerian soldiers feared dead and others injured, following an assault on a military base in Ngamdu, Borno State, in the early hours of Friday.
The attackers launched their assault on the Ngamdu military super camp around 2 a.m. on Friday, taking the military by surprise. Sources familiar with the incident confirmed that the insurgents stormed the camp with heavy gunfire, targeting soldiers who were on duty at the time. At least several soldiers are feared to have been killed, with additional military personnel reported to be seriously wounded.
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, the Nigerian military secured the area and began emergency operations. To prevent further violence and protect civilians, security forces closed off the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway a critical artery connecting major towns in the northeastern region. Hundreds of travelers and motorists were left stranded, as the closure affected both local commuters and long-distance travelers.
“Reports indicate that the insurgents launched a late-night attack, inflicting heavy casualties on military personnel stationed at the Ngamdu camp,” one source, who asked to remain anonymous, told reporters. “Some injured soldiers were evacuated early this morning in military ambulances to the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital in Damaturu.”
Though the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, the scale of the attack points to a well-coordinated effort by the militants, known for their brutality in the region. The assault on the military base is part of a broader pattern of ISWAP attacks targeting Nigerian military positions across the northeast, particularly in Borno and Yobe states.
ISWAP has become a significant threat in the region, following a series of attacks on military and civilian targets in recent months. The group has capitalized on the ongoing instability in the area, exploiting the absence of adequate security in some zones. Nigerian security forces have increased their operations against the insurgents but continue to face challenges in maintaining control over vast and volatile areas.
Local residents have reported hearing heavy gunfire and explosions during the assault, but exact details of the confrontation remain scarce. Security agencies have not yet provided an official death toll, and the military is expected to issue a statement later in the day.
In the wake of the attack, there are rising concerns over the safety of both military personnel and civilians in Borno, as ISWAP continues to expand its operations across northern Nigeria. The disruption to travel on the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway has further exacerbated tensions, with many travelers left stranded at military checkpoints.
Authorities have vowed to intensify their efforts to combat ISWAP militants and restore order, though the growing insurgency has strained Nigeria’s resources and security forces. The attack in Ngamdu highlights the persistent threat of violence as the government continues its battle against the insurgent group.
