At least three Nigerian soldiers have been killed following an attack by Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (BHT/ISWAP) insurgents on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in the Wajiroko area of Borno State.
The attack, which occurred around 10 p.m. on Monday, also left the Brigade Commander and two other soldiers injured.
According to a military signal obtainedby the media, full details of the assault remain unclear. However, intelligence from a surveillance drone indicated visible fire around the base, and several troops were seen retreating toward Sabon Gari, suggesting that the FOB may have been overrun by the insurgents.
Drone Intelligence Suggests Base Was Overrun
The military signal reported that: “At approximately 242205A MAR 25, own troops at FOB Wajiroko came under attack by BHT/ISWAP terrorists. This prompted the Brigade to call for air support in addition to deploying a reinforcement (RFT) team immediately. However, the RFT team encountered an IED along the MSR (Main Supply Route). Consequently, a second RFT, led by Comd 25 BDE, Brig Gen UF Abubakar (N/10661), was dispatched toward Azir Bridge.”
“At approximately 250045A MAR 25, while the second RFT was still en route, the Brigade Commander’s Hilux vehicle encountered an IED between Damboa and Azir Bridge. As a result of the explosion, three soldiers were KIA (Killed in Action), while the Brigade Commander and two other soldiers, 22NA/82/5757 PTE Mohammed Hashim and 12NA/68/7570 CPL Ibrahim Musa, sustained injuries (Wounded in Action).”
The signal further revealed that the “Phantom pilot observed fire around the FOB and saw scores of soldiers running toward Sabon Gari, suggesting that the FOB may have been dislodged.”
Military Reinforcement Efforts Underway
The security situation in the area remains tense, with troops placed on maximum alert.
While the Nigerian military has yet to issue an official statement regarding the attack, sources indicate that reinforcement efforts are ongoing as security forces assess the situation.
The identities of the slain soldiers are being withheld until their families are officially notified by military authorities.
 insurgents on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in the Wajiroko area of Borno State.){kind=link}