In a bold defense operation, Nigerian military forces successfully thwarted an attack on a northeastern military base early Wednesday. Supported by aerial reinforcement, the soldiers reportedly eliminated at least 80 suspected Islamic militants, according to official army reports.
The attackers, believed to be linked to either Boko Haram or the Islamic State West Africa Province, launched their offensive on the Mallam Fatori base in Borno state, close to the Niger border, at approximately 12:50 a.m. Local reports indicate that the insurgents utilized multiple armed drones during the assault, as confirmed by Sani Uba, an army spokesperson.
According to Uba, the military had anticipated such an attack and was well-prepared, responding decisively with both ground and air firepower. Among the casualties were at least 80 militants, including three who were identified as high-ranking commanders. The Associated Press has yet to independently confirm these figures.
Initially, the army’s reports estimated the number of fatalities at over 60, indicating the scale of the conflict.
While four soldiers sustained injuries during the clash, they have since been transported for medical care, Uba reported.
The troops also seized a significant stash of weaponry from the militants. The haul included assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, machine guns, ammunition, improvised explosive devices, and parts for armed drones, highlighting the level of threat posed by the attackers.
The attack comes after three suspected suicide bombings on Monday killed at least 23 people and wounded 108 others in Borno’s capital, Maiduguri.
No group claimed responsibility for the attacks, but suspicion quickly fell on the Boko Haram jihadi group, which in 2009 launched an insurgency in northeastern Nigeria to enforce its radical interpretation of Sharia, or Islamic law.
Boko Haram has since become stronger, with thousands of fighters and different factions.
One of its offshoots, the Islamic State West Africa Province, which is backed by the Islamic State group, has staged a growing number of attacks against the military in recent months.
The crisis has overstretched the Nigerian military, which also battles other security crises across the conflict-battered north.
More than 40,000 people in Nigeria have been killed since Boko Haram’s insurgency began, according to data from the United Nations.
Analysts say not enough is being done by the government to protect its citizens.
The US sent troops last month to the West African nation to help advise its military on the fight against insecurity.
