The Nigerian Army has officially mourned the death of a unit commander and several soldiers following a brutal assault by insurgents in Malam-Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State. The attack, which took place on January 24, 2025, claimed the lives of the commanding officer, two senior officers—including the base’s medical director—and at least seventeen other soldiers. According to multiple military sources, the attack was one of the deadliest in recent months, underscoring the persistent threat posed by insurgents in the North-East region.
Eyewitnesses and security officials reported that the attackers, believed to be members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), stormed the 149th Battalion base using gun trucks and heavy weapons. The assault reportedly lasted for several hours, during which parts of the base, including buildings and operational vehicles, were destroyed. Many soldiers were injured, and some remain missing. The insurgents were said to have overwhelmed the troops before reinforcements could arrive. Survivors later regrouped and evacuated the area after the attack.
In a statement, the Nigerian Army expressed deep sorrow over the loss of its personnel and described the fallen commander and soldiers as heroes who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation. It reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining security in the region and vowed to bring the attackers to justice. The Army also announced plans to strengthen operational readiness to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.
This attack highlights the persistent security challenges in Borno State, which has remained the epicentre of Boko Haram and ISWAP activities for over a decade. Despite ongoing military operations that have recorded some successes, insurgent groups continue to launch deadly raids, particularly targeting remote military installations and vulnerable communities. The loss of a commanding officer and other senior personnel has raised concerns about intelligence gathering, preparedness, and reinforcement strategies in forward-operating bases.
The incident also has serious implications for troop morale and operational effectiveness. The death of a commander can create a temporary leadership vacuum, while the scale of the attack reflects the insurgents’ capacity to strike with precision and force. It is expected that the Nigerian Army will conduct an internal review of the incident, focusing on base security, logistics, intelligence, and response mechanisms to strengthen its defences in the region.
The Federal Government and military leadership have expressed condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and promised comprehensive investigations into the attack. There are strong indications that reinforcement and tactical adjustments will be made to prevent similar breaches in other bases across Borno and neighbouring states.
This tragedy serves as a painful reminder that the war against insurgency in the North-East is far from over. The Nigerian Army’s mourning goes beyond the loss of personnel; it reflects the broader security implications of the strike. The coming weeks will likely reveal whether this incident prompts stronger security measures or exposes continuing vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency operations. The sacrifice of the fallen soldiers will remain a symbol of courage in the ongoing fight to secure the nation.
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