An unspecified number of Nigerian soldiers were k!lled by militants from the Islamic State–backed Boko Haram faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), during an assault on a military base in Sabon Gari, Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State.
According to SaharaReporters, the attack occurred on Thursday when insurgents fired sporadically, causing casualties among soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). Armoured tanks and military vehicles were set ablaze, and an unquantifiable amount of ammunition was taken. ISWAP claimed responsibility and released a video showing its members firing towards the military facility.
The incident follows a recent ambush in Mobbar that killed seven military personnel, including a newly promoted Lieutenant Colonel. Since the death of JAS leader Abubakar Shekau, ISWAP has been consolidating control around Lake Chad, swelling its ranks with defecting Boko Haram fighters. Despite repeated army claims of largely defeating the insurgency, ISWAP has caused over 100,000 deaths and displaced millions, mainly in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states.
