An undisclosed number of Nigerian troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force have been slain following a violent assault by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) jihadists on a military facility in Sabon Gari, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to military sources who spoke to SaharaReporters, the incident happened on Thursday after terrorists overran the military formation. They opened fire, killing a large number of security troops as well as allied local forces.
“I don’t have the exact number yet, but there was an attack, many soldiers were killed,” a source told SaharaReporters on Saturday.
The source claims that during the raid, the assailants stole an unknown amount of ammunition and set fire to multiple military vehicles, including armored tanks.
The extremist group has subsequently claimed credit for the operation, publishing a statement accompanied by a video showing fighters firing towards the military station.
The most recent assault comes after a horrific ambush earlier this week that killed seven military members, including a recently promoted Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed. On Monday, January 26, 2026, while he was bringing troops from Maiduguri to Damasak in Mobbar Local Government Area, their convoy was attacked.
According to military reports, during the ambush, the attackers used explosives and heavy firepower. A number of soldiers are still unaccounted for, despite the fact that some dead have been found. Several soldiers are said to have suffered severe injuries.
Since Boko Haram commander Abubakar Shekau’s death, security analysts have observed that ISWAP has been bolstering its presence in the Lake Chad area. The gang has reportedly boosted its ranks following the defection of hundreds of militants previously loyal to Shekau.
Militant groups continue to launch high-impact strikes in the Northeast, frequently causing significant casualties that officials are accused of downplaying, despite the Nigerian Army’s repeated claims that the insurgency has been largely contained.
Over 100,000 people have died as a result of the battle, which has lasted for more than ten years, and millions have been displaced from their homes, especially in the states of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe.
