At least 36 soldiers and Mobile Police officers have been reported killed following coordinated attacks by Boko Haram insurgents on two military formations in Yobe State, according to security sources and eyewitness accounts.
The attacks reportedly occurred around 1:00 a.m. on Friday in Gujba Local Government Area, targeting the Theatre Training Centre in Buniyadi and the 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni Gari. Both locations are said to be within close proximity and were struck almost simultaneously, leading to intense gun battles that lasted several hours.
Surviving soldiers described the assault as sudden and overwhelming. One personnel said insurgents attacked both camps at the same time, forcing troops to engage in prolonged firefights while attempts to reinforce neighbouring positions were disrupted by simultaneous attacks.
Another soldier confirmed that confusion spread quickly as gunfire erupted across both locations, preventing coordinated response between the formations. He added that the attackers appeared to have coordinated timing and movement, overwhelming parts of the facilities during the night operation.
According to military sources cited in the report, the highest casualties were recorded at the training centre, where Mobile Police officers undergoing training were among those affected. Preliminary figures suggest that the fatalities include both soldiers permanently stationed at the bases and personnel attached for training purposes.
The total death toll from the two incidents is currently estimated at 36, though official confirmation from security authorities is still awaited.
The latest attacks highlight the continuing security challenges in Nigeria’s North-East, where insurgent groups have sustained sporadic but deadly operations despite long-running military counterinsurgency efforts. The situation has renewed concerns about the safety of military formations and training facilities in frontline states.