A commanding officer of the Nigerian Army and several soldiers have reportedly been killed following a deadly attack by suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province militants on Kukawa Local Government Area.
Security sources said the officer, identified as Umar Farouq, was leading military operations in the area when insurgents launched a coordinated attack on a military base. The officer reportedly sustained severe injuries during the battle and later died while being transported to Maiduguri for medical treatment.
According to the sources, several soldiers also lost their lives while defending the community during the assault.
Military Base Destroyed, Weapons Looted
The attackers reportedly stormed the Kukawa military base, setting parts of the facility on fire and seizing weapons and ammunition.
A security source disclosed that the militants destroyed the base and carted away military equipment.
“The terrorists attacked the Kukawa military base, which was burnt down, and ammunition were taken away. The commanding officer sustained critical injuries and died while being moved to Maiduguri for treatment,” the source said.
The insurgents also reportedly destroyed the Goniri military base during the offensive, burning military vehicles and capturing additional weapons and supplies.
During the attack, several military gun trucks were set ablaze as the militants looted equipment from the base.
Insurgents Attack Dalwa Community
In a related incident, suspected Boko Haram fighters attacked Dalwa in Konduga Local Government Area late Sunday night.
Residents were reportedly displaced as the insurgents set homes and properties on fire, leaving the community severely damaged.
Dalwa had only recently been resettled by the Borno State Government in December 2025 as part of post-conflict recovery efforts aimed at restoring normalcy in communities previously affected by insurgency.
The community lies about 20 kilometres from Maiduguri, the state capital.
Wave of Attacks on Military Bases
The latest incident comes amid a growing wave of insurgent attacks on military installations across northeastern Nigeria.
Reports indicate that militants recently launched coordinated assaults on military bases in Konduga, Mainok, Jakana, and Marte between Thursday night and early Friday morning.
During one of the attacks in Konduga, the Commanding Officer of the 222 Battalion, S.I. Iliyasu, was reportedly killed alongside several soldiers.
Sambisa Ambush and Other Casualties
In another ambush in Sambisa Forest, personnel attached to the 21 Special Armour Brigade were also killed, including a lieutenant and other troops.
Sources said several injured soldiers were seen receiving emergency treatment as fellow soldiers assisted with medical care.
Similarly, insurgents carried out simultaneous attacks on Ngoshe and Pulka, killing an officer and at least 14 soldiers.
Reports indicate that militants are still present in Ngoshe along with more than 200 civilians.
Attack on Banki Military Base
Another deadly assault was recorded at a forward military base located at Banki Junction.
The attack, believed to have been carried out by Islamic State West Africa Province, reportedly occurred around 4:00 a.m.
Militants opened fire on the base, leading to multiple casualties, including the death of an army major identified as U.I. Mairiga.
Sources said the bodies of the fallen soldiers were transported to the 7 Division Military Hospital.
Continued Insurgent Threat in Borno
The attacks come just weeks after another assault on a military outpost in Jakana along the Maiduguri–Damaturu highway, where insurgents reportedly destroyed armoured tanks, burnt military vehicles, and seized large quantities of ammunition.
In a separate ambush days earlier, at least seven soldiers—including a newly promoted lieutenant colonel—were killed when insurgents attacked a military convoy traveling from Maiduguri to Damasak.
Security analysts say the resurgence of attacks highlights the continued threat posed by insurgent groups operating in northeastern Nigeria despite ongoing counterterrorism operations.
