Hours After Attack On Nigerian Army Base, ISWAP Terrorists Raid Civilian Joint Task Force Office
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militant group has claimed responsibility for a recent attack on a Civilian Joint Task Force base in Borno State.
According to a statement released by the group, they seized various weapons, including 7.62x39mm AK magazines and ammunition, during the raid. The statement also included photos showing ISWAP members firing indiscriminately at the base.
This comes hours after the terror group killed a yet-to-be confirmed number of Nigerian soldiers, with some still reportedly missing following an attack on a Forward Operating Base in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to security sources, the incident occurred on Saturday, January 4, 2025.
The sources added that the terrorists razed many buildings and military operational vehicles during the attack that lasted over two hours.
“25 Taskforce Bde was attacked during the weekend with so many casualties, so far we have recovered over seven bodies,” a source said on Monday.
“The terror group invaded the camp FOB Sabon Gari around 4am on Saturday, using various weapons.”
ISWAP in a statement on Monday claimed responsibility for the attack.
The group claimed that its members killed many soldiers while two armoured tanks and 10 armoured vehicles were burnt.
The recent action may be a move by the sect to counter the Nigerian military’s claims that Islamist insurgent fighters are retreating. This comes after President Bola Tinubu stated in October 2024 that his administration was making unprecedented progress in the war on terror and banditry, with the elimination of many Boko-Haram and bandit commanders within the first year of his administration.
The Nigerian military has also reported that many insurgents have surrendered.
Since the death of JAS leader, Abubakar Shekau, ISWAP has been consolidating its grip in locations around Lake Chad.
The sect’s membership has swollen with the defection of hundreds of Boko Haram fighters under Shekau.
