Nigerian Military Kills 80 Militants in Pre-Dawn Base Attack

Nigerian forces successfully defended a military installation against an early morning assault by suspected Boko Haram fighters, resulting in at least 80 militant deaths. The attack occurred near the Niger border using armed drones, but troops had advance warning and responded with ground and air support.

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Nigerian military forces successfully defended against an early morning assault by suspected Islamic extremists at a northeastern military installation, resulting in the deaths of at least 80 attackers, according to military officials.

The assault took place at approximately 12:50 a.m. Wednesday at the Mallam Fatori base in Borno state, close to Nigeria’s border with Niger, military spokesman Sani Uba announced. The attackers, believed to be affiliated with either Boko Haram or the Islamic State West Africa Province, deployed multiple weaponized drones during their offensive.

According to Uba’s statement, military personnel had advance knowledge of the impending assault and successfully fought back using both ground forces and aerial assistance, eliminating at least 80 militants, including three senior commanders. The Associated Press was unable to confirm these figures independently.

Earlier military reports had estimated the militant casualties at more than 60.

Uba reported that four military personnel sustained injuries and were transported for medical care. Forces seized an extensive weapons stockpile from the attackers, including automatic weapons, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, heavy machine guns, ammunition, explosive devices, and drone equipment.

This military confrontation follows Monday’s triple suicide bombing attacks in Maiduguri, Borno’s capital city, which claimed 23 lives and injured 108 others. While no organization has taken credit for those bombings, investigators suspect Boko Haram’s involvement. The extremist organization initiated its violent campaign in northeastern Nigeria in 2009, seeking to impose their strict interpretation of Islamic law.

Boko Haram has expanded significantly since its inception, now comprising thousands of fighters across multiple factions. The Islamic State West Africa Province, one splinter group with ties to the Islamic State organization, has intensified its military targeting in recent months.

These ongoing conflicts have severely strained Nigeria’s armed forces, which simultaneously confront various security challenges throughout the country’s troubled northern regions.

United Nations statistics indicate that Boko Haram’s insurgency has resulted in over 40,000 deaths in Nigeria since it began. Security experts argue that government efforts to safeguard civilians remain inadequate.

The United States deployed military advisors to the West African country last month to assist with security operations.