Boko Haram Attack On Borno Military Base: Soldiers Missing, Casualty Figures Rising

Four days after Boko Haram insurgents overran a military base in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, many soldiers remain unaccounted for, security sources have disclosed.

The attack, which occurred around 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Forward Operating Base in Sabon Gari, involved a large number of fighters who overwhelmed the military personnel stationed there.

Neither the military authorities in Maiduguri and Abuja nor the Borno State government have released an official statement regarding the incident.

However, sources within the military who spoke with Daily Trust confirmed that casualty figures have continued to climb as more bodies are recovered during ongoing search operations.

The source said, “More bodies are being recovered. Some died on their way to the hospital in Maiduguri, while many soldiers and vigilantes are unaccounted for, missing in action (MIA).

“It’s too early to tell how many people we have lost because we are still counting. I cannot tell you the exact number of soldiers and vigilantes or the identity of the officers killed, but we have recovered over 12 dead bodies so far.”

Another credible military source said, “The attack was on Forward Operations Base of 25TF Brigade located in Sabon Gari, Damboa LGA. The base is responsible for securing southern Damboa, especially curtailing the activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP from Yobe to Chibok and Gwoza axis.

“They were completely dislodged, and their equipment carted away and some damaged. A reinforcement from the main 25TF Brigade along with CJTF were sent from Damboa but were blocked by IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) planted by the terrorists.

“Therefore, many CJTF were injured and some killed in the ambush. However, by the time the reinforcement got to Sabon Gari, the Boko Haram fighters had abandoned the location, carting away equipment. So many soldiers missing (unaccounted) and others killed, details are still being confirmed.

“The FOB (Forward Operating Base) has strength of 110 soldiers but only about half have so far been accounted for.

“Two weeks ago, a neighbouring Base in Wajiroko was attacked by the ISWAP fighters using modified commercial drones for the first time in the over a decade long crises. This indicates sophistication and bigger plans.”