Boko Haram terrorists have launched a deadly attack on the Nigerian Army’s 149 Battalion in Malam-Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, resulting in over 20 fatalities and leaving several soldiers unaccounted for.
The assault, which took place on Friday, January 24, 2025, saw the insurgents arriving in multiple gun trucks and unleashing destruction on the military base. According to sources, the attack lasted for hours, during which operational vehicles and buildings were destroyed.
Among the casualties were the battalion’s commanding officer, two senior officers, and the base’s medical director.
A military source described the intensity of the attack, saying, “The insurgents came heavily armed, attacking the base in waves. Many of our men are still unaccounted for, and several others sustained injuries.”
Malam-Fatori, a border town between Nigeria and Niger Republic, has long been a refuge for individuals displaced by the ongoing Boko Haram insurgency. This attack has raised serious concerns about the safety of civilians in the area, already strained by conflict.
Although some bodies have been recovered, the exact number of missing personnel remains unknown. Security forces are actively searching the area for survivors and additional casualties.
This attack closely follows another recent raid on the Forward Operating Base in Damboa Local Government Area, where Boko Haram fighters carried out a pre-dawn assault, resulting in numerous casualties and missing soldiers.
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a faction of Boko Haram, has claimed responsibility for both incidents. They have also released images showing their fighters attacking the Damboa facility, further showcasing their intent to destabilize the region.
The increasing frequency and severity of such attacks underline the persistent threat posed by insurgents in the region, raising calls for enhanced security measures to protect both military personnel and civilians.