ISIS-linked attack kills 20 in Nigeria's Borno State military base

Suspected terrorists affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS) launched a deadly assault on a military installation in Borno state, located in northeast Nigeria. The attack resulted in the deaths of 15 soldiers and five members of local anti-terrorist militias who were supporting the troops during the operation.

Casualties and destruction reported

A Nigerian army official confirmed the toll to Agence France-Presse, stating that the attackers killed the 15 servicemen and five personnel from the Civilian Joint Task Force. The source, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorization for public comment, added that the militants "razed the base to the ground." This devastation forced the remaining forces to retreat toward Monguno, a town situated approximately 18 kilometers away that hosts a military garrison.

The military source indicated that several soldiers remain missing following the incident. Local resident Ahmad Sharif reported that the terrorists appeared to have launched the offensive from their stronghold in Gudumbali, within the neighboring Guzamala district. Sharif affirmed that the targeted base was completely destroyed.

Background of regional insurgency

Borno state has been a focal point for more than 17 years of terrorist insurgency. The violence was initially led by the Boko Haram group before being joined by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a splinter faction and rival of Boko Haram. This prolonged conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people across this region of northeast Nigeria.