A Major in the Nigerian Army has been killed after fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province ambushed a military patrol in Damasak, headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State, according to security sources familiar with the incident.
The officer, who commanded the Damasak military base, was leading a routine foot patrol of about 30 soldiers early on Friday when the unit came under attack involving explosives and sustained gunfire. The ambush reportedly forced the patrol to disperse, with several troops initially unaccounted for in the immediate aftermath.
What Is Confirmed
Security sources said the Major was killed during the assault, dismissing earlier conflicting claims that he may have been captured. While some soldiers later regrouped and returned to base, the commanding officer did not, prompting search efforts that later confirmed his death.
At the time of reporting, there was no official statement from the Army Headquarters or the Borno State Police Command, a standard practice in ongoing counter-terrorism operations where operational sensitivity remains high.
Why This Attack Matters
Damasak lies within Nigeria’s volatile Lake Chad corridor, a region that has seen sustained activity by ISWAP factions operating along border communities. Analysts note that patrols in such areas are designed to deter insurgent movement and reassure civilian populations, but they also expose troops to asymmetric attacks involving improvised explosive devices and coordinated fire.
The killing of a senior field officer underscores the continued capacity of insurgent groups to mount lethal assaults despite years of military offensives aimed at degrading their operational reach.
The Broader Security Context
Borno State remains the epicentre of Nigeria’s insurgency, with ISWAP and rival factions exploiting difficult terrain, cross-border mobility and local intelligence networks. Although the military has recorded tactical gains, sporadic high-impact attacks continue to test force protection measures and underline the protracted nature of the conflict.
Late last year, another senior officer, a Brigadier-General, was killed in a separate ambush along a major supply route in the state, reinforcing concerns about the risks faced by troops operating in forward areas.
What Comes Next
Military authorities are expected to review patrol protocols and reinforce operational security in the affected axis. While details of counter-measures remain undisclosed, officials have consistently stated that attacks on security forces will not derail ongoing operations against insurgent groups.
For residents of the North-East, the incident is a reminder that despite progress claimed by authorities, the insurgency continues to exact a heavy toll on both security personnel and communities caught in the conflict
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