A drone strike by suspected terrorists has left at least six Nigerian soldiers injured after attacking a military base in Borno State on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Wajiroko, located in the Damboa Local Government Area, a region that has long been a flashpoint for insurgent activity in Nigeria’s northeast.
The assault began with a burst of sporadic gunfire, as the terrorists launched an initial attack on the base. According to an eyewitness, who is a soldier stationed at the base, the attack was followed by a sound similar to a jet, culminating in a massive explosion. The troops at the base managed to repel the initial assault, forcing the attackers into disarray and causing them to retreat, but the terrorists returned with a more advanced attack shortly after.
In what appears to be a highly coordinated strategy, the insurgents launched a second wave of assault at approximately 1:23 PM local time. This time, they used multiple armed drones, each carrying locally fabricated grenades, to target the base. The military confirmed that up to four drones were observed by the soldiers, who were caught off guard by the use of such sophisticated technology.
A military signal obtained, it confirmed that at least five soldiers sustained injuries in the attack. The injured personnel received immediate first aid, with plans for evacuation to a nearby military medical facility for further treatment. The same report also highlighted the damage to a gun truck belonging to the Nigerian Army, a critical asset for ground operations.
Despite the heavy nature of the assault, which involved both direct fire and aerial drone strikes, the soldiers managed to maintain their morale, with military officials describing the situation as “calm but highly unpredictable.” The report emphasized that the fighting efficiency of the troops remained “satisfactory,” despite the injuries and equipment losses sustained during the attack.
The insurgents involved in the assault are suspected to be members of either Boko Haram or its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), both of which have been wreaking havoc across the northeast region for nearly two decades. While the Nigerian military frequently claims that these terror groups are largely defeated, sporadic attacks such as the one at Wajiroko suggest that insurgent activity remains resilient and evolving.
The terror group’s insurgency has claimed the lives of over 100,000 people, with millions more displaced by the ongoing violence. Most of the devastation has been concentrated in the states of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe, which are among the hardest-hit areas in the region. While the military continues to declare successes in its campaign against the insurgents, the frequent attacks and the use of increasingly sophisticated weaponry by these groups highlight the continuing challenges faced by Nigerian forces.
This latest assault underscores the growing threat posed by armed drones in modern warfare, a tactic that has gained prominence among terrorist groups in the region. The Nigerian military’s ability to counter such attacks will likely be a key factor in the ongoing battle for control of the northeast.
As the insurgency continues to destabilize the region, the Nigerian government faces increasing pressure to enhance its counter-terrorism strategies and provide better support for the men and women on the frontlines.
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