Four Killed as Boko Haram Attacks Military Base in Borno

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of four soldiers following an insurgent attack on the Military Super Camp at Ngamdu along the Damaturu–Maiduguri highway in Borno State.

In a statement released by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, the army said troops successfully repelled the attack despite heavy gunfire.

Although reports initially suggested eight casualties, the statement confirmed that four soldiers were killed and five others wounded.

According to the statement, the terrorists launched a coordinated assault using rocket-propelled grenades, armed drones, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) targeting troops and military assets. However, the soldiers held their ground, responding with superior firepower and inflicting heavy losses on the attackers.

The army also reported that the insurgents planted multiple IEDs along the Ngamdu–Damaturu Main Supply Route (MSR) in an attempt to block reinforcements. This led to a temporary road closure as engineers cleared three explosive-laden spots before reopening the highway for both military and civilian use.

Troops were immediately resupplied with key logistics, including MRAP tyres and ammunition, to sustain operations. Credible intelligence later indicated that the terrorists suffered major casualties, with about 15 bodies reportedly buried near Bula Wura, close to Wasaram.

The 29 Task Force Brigade has since launched patrols and follow-up operations to deny the insurgents freedom of movement and consolidate gains in the area.

Meanwhile, the Thursday attack disrupted traffic for hours along the Maiduguri–Damaturu–Kano highway. The Nigerian Army blocked the route for over seven hours, leaving hundreds of travellers stranded.

Some travellers, particularly those heading to distant locations such as Bauchi, Jos, Abuja, and Kano, had to return, while others waited until around 1 p.m. when the road reopened under tight security.

Mustapha Yaya, a master’s student at the University of Maiduguri travelling from Damaturu, lamented the delay, saying he missed his lectures due to the roadblock.

A commercial driver, Abdullahi, who was heading from Kano to Abuja, said his passengers decided to cancel their trip due to the prolonged gridlock.

The Maiduguri–Damaturu–Kano highway had been free of insurgent attacks for more than three years until this incident. Many travellers expressed renewed fear and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent measures to secure the route.