Soldiers missing as death toll swells in Borno military base terror attack

The death toll from Saturday’s Boko Haram attack on a military base in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State continues to rise, with many soldiers still missing four days after the assault.

The insurgents, reportedly in large numbers, stormed the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Sabon Gari around 4 p.m., overwhelming the troops and leaving a trail of destruction.

While over 12 bodies have been recovered, military sources say many personnel, including vigilantes, remain unaccounted for.

“It’s difficult to confirm the exact number of casualties as we are still searching. Some soldiers died while being transported to Maiduguri for treatment, and several others are missing in action,” a military source disclosed.

The attack on the FOB, which serves as a critical outpost for securing southern Damboa and neighbouring areas, was described as a well-coordinated ambush.

Militants destroyed the Burum Bridge, cutting off reinforcements, and deployed surveillance drones to monitor troop movements before the assault.

“They overpowered the base after a two-hour firefight, looted weapons, destroyed vehicles, and left behind improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to slow reinforcements,” a security source said.

Read also: Photos: Boko Haram terrorists attack military base in Borno, kill several soldiers

Out of the 110 soldiers stationed at the base, only about half have been accounted for, raising fears that some may have been abducted.

This incident highlights the growing sophistication of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, who have begun using modified commercial drones for surveillance and attacks.

It was learnt that two weeks ago, a neighbouring military base in Wajiroko was targeted with similar tactics.

A video from Saturday’s attack shows lifeless soldiers covered in blankets at the razed base, emphasizing the devastating impact of the assault.

Local residents believe the attackers include insurgents displaced by intensified military operations in the Lake Chad region.

“When the offensive in Lake Chad became unbearable, many of the terrorists fled to Sambisa Forest, where they’ve regrouped to launch fresh attacks,” a source said.

The Boko Haram insurgency, which has ravaged Nigeria and neighboring countries for over a decade, continues to pose significant security challenges.

Despite regional military efforts, including operations involving Chadian forces, the group remains a persistent threat.