The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of a senior commanding officer and several troops following a deadly ambush by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.
In an official statement released Monday, military authorities acknowledged the loss of personnel during a recent counter-insurgency operation in the volatile northeastern region.
Although the Army did not disclose the exact number of casualties, sources within the security sector report that a lieutenant colonel, other officers, and rank-and-file soldiers were killed during the attack.
The ambush reportedly occurred over the weekend in one of the known Boko Haram operational corridors near the Lake Chad axis, an area where insurgents have continued to mount sporadic assaults on military positions despite ongoing clearance operations.
“We lost a gallant commanding officer and some of our brave men in the line of duty,” the statement read. “They paid the ultimate price defending our nation. We are conducting further investigations and operations are underway to apprehend the perpetrators.”
Preliminary findings suggest that the insurgents launched a coordinated attack on the troops who were on a routine patrol or returning from an operational assignment.
The assailants, believed to be loyal to the Abubakar Shekau faction of Boko Haram or its splinter group ISWAP, engaged the troops in a heavy gun battle, leading to multiple fatalities on the Nigerian side.
Military reinforcements were immediately deployed to the area to recover the bodies, evacuate the wounded, and prevent further incursions. Sources say air support was later provided to help neutralize the retreating terrorists.
Mounting Concerns over Troop Safety
The latest incident has sparked renewed concerns over the safety of security personnel deployed in insurgency-prone areas, particularly along high-risk routes in Borno’s northern and central zones.
Attacks on military convoys and forward operating bases have increased in recent months, with analysts warning that insurgents are regrouping and testing the Army’s defensive posture.
Earlier this year, a similar ambush in the Mafa Local Government Area claimed the lives of another commanding officer and over a dozen soldiers, underscoring the persistent threat posed by the insurgency despite official claims of progress.
Government Reaction and Public Sentiment
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum expressed deep sorrow over the latest loss, describing the victims as “heroes whose sacrifice will not be forgotten.”
“We stand with the Nigerian Army and the families of those who gave their lives for our peace. This fight is far from over, but we remain resilient and committed to defeating this evil,” the governor said in a statement.
Also Read: Umahi Gives CCECC 14-Day Ultimatum Over Substandard Aba–Port Harcourt Road
Civil society groups have called for a comprehensive review of operational strategies and better support for frontline troops, including enhanced intelligence gathering and logistics.
Background
Boko Haram’s insurgency, now in its 16th year, has claimed over 35,000 lives and displaced millions across Nigeria’s northeast.
While military operations have pushed the group out of many urban centers, rural ambushes, IED attacks, and cross-border raids remain a persistent threat.
The Nigerian Army continues to maintain that it is winning the war against terrorism, but the frequent loss of senior officers and soldiers in the field highlights the ongoing challenges facing the military in one of Africa’s most enduring conflicts.
Names of the fallen personnel are being withheld pending formal notification of next of kin. The Army has promised to provide more details as investigations continue.
