Boko Haram Overruns Borno Military Base, Kills Soldier, Burns Hospital, Police Post

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched a coordinated attack on a military base and civilian facilities in Logomani community, Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State, killing one soldier and destroying key public infrastructure before troops repelled the assault.

The attack, which occurred late Tuesday, targeted the Forward Operating Base (FOB) of Operation Hadin Kai, where troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle.

The Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Muhammed Goni, confirmed the incident, saying the troops eventually regained control of the base after the insurgents briefly breached part of its defensive perimeter.

According to him, the terrorists were forced to retreat after encountering stiff resistance from the soldiers.

"Troops of Operation HADIN KAI deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Logomani in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State under Sector One successfully contained a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists.

"Although the insurgents briefly exploited a section of the base's defensive perimeter during the intense firefight, the troops rapidly regrouped, mounted a determined counter-offensive and decisively expelled the attackers, inflicting significant casualties and forcing the surviving terrorists to flee with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

"Regrettably, one gallant soldier paid the supreme price, while two gun trucks and some combat enablers sustained damage during the engagement," Goni said.

He disclosed that additional troops had since been deployed to reinforce the area, while clearance and pursuit operations were underway to prevent further attacks and strengthen security around the community.

Residents said the insurgents attacked civilian infrastructure after the fighting at the military base, forcing people to flee for safety.

A resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the attackers set fire to several government facilities after entering the community.

"We all left the community during the attack. The terrorists were very sophisticated. After they overpowered the Army, they entered the school and burnt down two classrooms.

"They also attacked a police outpost and a hospital, which they burnt down," the resident said.

A security source said a combined team of military personnel, police officers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force immediately launched a pursuit operation against the fleeing insurgents.

The Executive Chairman of Ngala Local Government Area, Mala Tijjani Ngala, visited Logomani on Wednesday to assess the extent of the destruction.

During the visit, he inspected the damaged Forward Operating Base, the burnt police outpost, the primary healthcare centre and the destroyed classrooms.

The council chairman assured residents that the findings would be forwarded to the Borno State Government to facilitate urgent intervention, reconstruction of the affected facilities and continued support for communities impacted by insurgent attacks.

The latest assault underscores the persistent security challenges facing parts of Borno State despite ongoing military operations against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).