Officers, soldiers killed in renewed ISWAP attacks on military bases

Troops

At least 65 Nigerian soldiers have been confirmed killed in a series of terrorist attacks on military formations and communities in Borno and Katsina states, among others, within the past three weeks.

The casualties include troops killed in multiple assaults by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province fighters targeting military bases and forward operations in the North-East.

The Nigerian Army on March 7 buried soldiers killed during coordinated attacks on military bases in Konduga, Marte, Jakana and Mainok in Borno State.

Although the military did not disclose the number of casualties, reports indicated that about 40 soldiers were killed in the attacks.

Among the dead was the Commanding Officer of the 222 Battalion in Konduga, Lt Col S.I. Iliyasu.

The military later refuted the figure but did not provide an official casualty number.

In a separate attack in Katsina State, Capt Paul Hassan and two other soldiers were killed by terrorists.

Earlier, on March 3, armed members of Boko Haram and ISWAP invaded the resettled community of Ngoshe shortly after residents broke their Ramadan fast.

The insurgents reportedly overwhelmed the military formation with superior firepower, including rocket-propelled grenades, anti-aircraft machine guns and drones.

The attack left at least 14 soldiers dead across Ngoshe and Pulka bases, nine in Ngoshe and five in Pulka, including a commanding officer.

The Chief Imam of Ngoshe and several community elders were also killed, while equipment and residential houses were destroyed.

On February 19, suspected IS-affiliated jihadists also raided a military base in Borno State, killing eight soldiers and injuring 23 others, according to security sources.

Additionally, an earlier offensive on March 1 targeted a Forward Base Operations post at Banki Junction along the Bama–Gwoza Road, where an unspecified number of soldiers, including a Major identified as U.I. Mairiga, were killed.

In a fresh incident on Monday, March 9, Boko Haram terrorists reportedly overran another military camp in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, killing the commanding officer and soldiers. Punch