|SECURITY| Over 20 Nigerian Army personnel, including a commanding officer and two senior officers, have reportedly been killed following a Boko Haram attack in Borno State.

Many soldiers also remain unaccounted for after the assault on Friday, January 24, 2025.

According to reports by SaharaReporters, the attack targeted the 149 Battalion in Malam-Fatori, the administrative center of Abadam Local Government Area, near the border with Niger Republic.

The area, which houses thousands displaced by the insurgency, saw the terrorists launch an offensive using multiple gun trucks.

Eyewitnesses stated that the attackers burned buildings and military vehicles, leaving numerous soldiers injured. Tragically, the battalion’s commanding officer, along with the base medical director and another senior officer, were confirmed dead.

A source disclosed, “The 25 Taskforce Brigade was attacked during the weekend with significant casualties. So far, over seven bodies have been recovered.”

Earlier in the week, Boko Haram also attacked the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno, causing yet-to-be-determined fatalities and leaving many missing. ISWAP later claimed responsibility, sharing images of their fighters assaulting the facility.

However, counterinsurgency expert Zagazola Makama disputed claims that Malam-Fatori’s military base was overrun.

In a statement shared on his X account, Makama clarified, “Troops came under a suicide attack while conducting operations in the Timbuktu Triangle, Yobe, and not at a static military base.”

Makama noted that the attack involved a Person-Borne Vehicle Improvised Explosive Device (PBIED) deployed by ISWAP fighters during an offensive maneuver, resulting in the death of the commanding officer and others. He urged the public to disregard reports that the Malam-Fatori base had been dislodged.

His words : “No attack in Malam Fatori Military Base: Troops came under suicide attack while fighting ISWAP in Timbuktu Triangle, Yobe

” Recent reports have claimed that Boko Haram insurgents attacked and dislodged a military base in Malam-Fatori, Borno State, resulting in significant casualties among Nigerian Army personnel.

” However, this reports is not correct as the 149 Battalion mentioned is actually part of Sector 2 operations in Yobe State, not stationed in Malam-Fatori.

“The troops of the 149 Battalion were conducting an operation in the Timbuktu Triangle when they came under a suicide attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters who deployed a Person Borne Vehicle Improvised Explosive Device against the troops.

“Tragically, the Commanding Officer, a Lieutenant Colonel, and few others lost their life during this encounter. This incident occurred during an offensive maneuver, into the Timbuktu Triangle and not at a static military base.”
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