By Joy Yesufu
Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have overrun a military base in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, killing the commanding officer and several soldiers in a late-night attack.
Local and security sources said the assault occurred in the early hours of Monday, when heavily armed insurgents reportedly stormed the area around 12:30 a.m., attacking the military facility from multiple directions.
A source from the community disclosed that the attackers launched a coordinated offensive that overwhelmed the troops stationed at the base.
“They came from different directions and attacked the military camp. It happened around midnight,” the source said.
Another security source confirmed that the insurgents dislodged the soldiers during the attack, set several military vehicles ablaze, and carted away weapons and ammunition.
“I cannot give the exact casualty figures yet, but sadly we lost the commanding officer in the attack,” the source added.
The development marks a tragic turn of events for the community and the military unit stationed in the area. Just last month, troops at the same base successfully repelled an earlier attack by insurgents, reportedly killing several of the assailants.
The operation earned the commanding officer widespread commendation from residents and local authorities, with many praising the troops for defending the town.
The lawmaker representing Kukawa Local Government Area in the Borno State House of Assembly, Karta Maina Ma’aji Lawan, had also celebrated the soldiers for their bravery following the earlier incident.
Reacting to the latest attack, the lawmaker described the development as deeply unfortunate, noting that the military base had now been overrun by the insurgents.
The incident comes amid renewed attacks by insurgent groups in parts of Borno State.
Recently, terrorists reportedly attacked a military formation and an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Ngoshe town, Gwoza Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of several soldiers and civilians.
Security authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the latest attack.
