A yet-to-be-confirmed number of soldiers were feared killed on Monday when Boko Haram insurgents attacked a military base in Sabon Gari, located in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Local sources reported that the evening assault involved heavy gunfire, resulting in multiple casualties, including soldiers killed and others critically injured.

Details of the Attack

According to Abba Usman, a resident of Damboa, military reinforcements responding to the attack triggered a landmine, leading to an explosion that caused additional injuries.

“I do not have much information, but I can confirm there was an attack and soldiers were killed. We also heard that soldiers rushing to the base stepped on something like a bomb, and it exploded,” Usman said.

A military source also confirmed the incident but declined to disclose the exact number of casualties, stating, “Many soldiers were killed, but the figure is currently not known.”

When contacted, the spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. A.Y. Jingina, said via text message:

“I am out of station, and Sabon Gari is under Sector 2.”

Conflicting Official Statements

In contrast, Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, confirmed the occurrence of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) incident but downplayed the scale of the attack.

“I can confirm there was an IED attack in Wajiroko (under Damboa). What happened was that our military personnel stepped on an IED. We lost one soldier, and one was injured. It was not an attack; it was an IED our soldiers stepped on,” Tar explained.

Army Chief Urges Collaboration on Security

In response to increasing security challenges, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has called on military commanders to work closely with stakeholders to address the nation’s security threats.

Speaking at the First Senior Command and Leadership Seminar in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on Tuesday, Oluyede emphasized the need for cooperation between the Army, other security agencies, and traditional institutions.

“It is pertinent that you apply situational awareness and strategic communication skills when engaging stakeholders to foster mutual respect and teamwork,” he said.

The seminar aims to equip operational commanders with the skills required to tackle terrorism and other criminal activities while enhancing national stability.

Ongoing Investigation

Meanwhile, homicide investigators and military intelligence are continuing to gather evidence and monitor the Boko Haram insurgents’ movements. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact security agencies promptly.