Suspected fighters from the extremist group Boko Haram have reportedly overrun a military base in northeastern Nigeria, killing a commanding officer and several soldiers in a fresh wave of violence in Borno State.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Monday in Kukawa Local Government Area, a region that has frequently been targeted by insurgents during the long-running conflict in Nigeria’s northeast.
According to a local source, the insurgents launched the assault at around 12:30 a.m., approaching the town from multiple directions before striking the military facility. Residents reported intense gunfire as the attackers stormed the base and engaged security forces stationed in the area.
A security source familiar with the incident said the militants eventually forced troops to withdraw from the camp. During the raid, several military vehicles were reportedly set on fire while weapons and ammunition were taken by the attackers.
The source confirmed that the commanding officer of the unit was among those killed in the attack. While the exact number of casualties has not yet been officially disclosed, security personnel described the loss as deeply tragic.
The latest assault is particularly painful for the local community because troops had previously defended the base against a similar attack. Just last month, insurgents attempted to seize the same military facility but were repelled by soldiers who reportedly killed several militants during the confrontation.
The successful defense at the time earned widespread praise from residents and observers online, with the commanding officer receiving recognition for his leadership and bravery. Community members and officials had publicly commended the troops for their efforts in protecting the town.
Among those who celebrated the earlier victory was Karta Maina Ma’aji Lawan, the lawmaker representing Kukawa in the Borno State House of Assembly. Reacting to the latest development, he described the incident as heartbreaking, noting that the base that once stood firm against insurgents had now been overrun.
The attack in Kukawa comes amid renewed violence in other parts of Borno. Recently, militants also targeted a military base and an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Ngoshe town within Gwoza Local Government Area. That assault reportedly left several soldiers and civilians dead, although the exact casualty figures remain unclear.
Borno State has been at the center of Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram for more than a decade. Despite ongoing military operations aimed at dismantling insurgent networks, the group continues to launch sporadic attacks on communities, security installations, and humanitarian facilities across the region.
Security analysts say the latest incidents highlight the persistent challenges facing Nigerian forces as they attempt to maintain control over remote areas while protecting civilians from militant violence. For residents of affected communities, the renewed attacks have reignited fears about safety and stability in parts of the northeast.
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