Islamist militants backed by armed drones raided an army base in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state in the early hours of Thursday, killing several troops, the military said, marking the second reported assault in the area this week and underscoring a growing security challenge for authorities.
The attack was carried out by fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province ISWAP, one of the most active jihadist groups operating in the Lake Chad region. According to a statement from the military, the assailants targeted a forward operating base, launching a coordinated assault that overwhelmed troops stationed there before reinforcements could fully respond. While the exact number of casualties was not disclosed, officials confirmed that several soldiers were killed during the raid.
Military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba said the use of armed drones by ISWAP represents a significant escalation in the group’s tactics. He noted that recent attacks have shown increasing sophistication, with militants deploying surveillance and strike drones to gather intelligence and deliver explosives, complicating defensive efforts by government forces.
Borno state has been at the epicentre of Nigeria’s more than decade long insurgency, which began with Boko Haram and later splintered into rival factions, including ISWAP. Although the military has claimed gains against insurgents in recent years, repeated attacks on military bases and civilian targets highlight the resilience of armed groups and their ability to adapt to counterinsurgency operations.
Security analysts say the growing use of drones by militants could further destabilise the region, giving insurgents a tactical edge and posing new risks to both soldiers and civilians. The latest assault has renewed concerns about troop safety and the need for enhanced counter drone capabilities, as Nigeria’s armed forces continue to battle insurgents across the northeast.
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