In a chilling display of defiance, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has unleashed a series of brazen attacks in Borno State, targeting both the Nigerian military and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). The terror group claimed responsibility for a deadly raid on a CJTF base just hours after a coordinated assault on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Damboa Local Government Area.
According to Sahara Reporters, ISWAP militants stormed the CJTF office, seizing a cache of weapons, including 7.62x39mm AK magazines and ammunition. Photographs released by the group show militants firing indiscriminately at the base, signaling their unrelenting resolve to destabilize the region.
Earlier, on Saturday, January 4, 2025, ISWAP launched a devastating attack on the Nigerian Army’s FOB Sabon Gari, resulting in significant casualties and destruction. The attack, which began at around 4 a.m., lasted over two hours, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
Security sources reported that the terrorists razed numerous buildings and destroyed military operational vehicles, including two armored tanks and ten armored vehicles. “The 25 Taskforce Brigade was attacked during the weekend with so many casualties. So far, we have recovered over seven bodies,” a source revealed.
The attack is believed to have resulted in the deaths of an unspecified number of Nigerian soldiers, with others still missing. The full extent of the losses is yet to be confirmed.
ISWAP’s statement on Monday claimed responsibility for both attacks, boasting about their operational success and painting a stark contrast to the Nigerian military’s recent assertions of progress in the fight against terrorism. The group alleged that their actions were a response to claims by President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the Nigerian military that insurgent forces are weakening.
President Tinubu had earlier declared in October 2024 that his government was achieving unprecedented victories in the war against terror, citing the elimination of high-ranking Boko Haram and bandit commanders. The Nigerian military also reported a significant number of insurgent surrenders in recent months.
However, ISWAP’s resurgence calls into question the narrative of progress, as the group continues to demonstrate its operational capability through well-coordinated, high-profile attacks.
The latest wave of violence underscores the persistent threat posed by ISWAP and the challenges faced by Nigeria’s security apparatus. The attacks come at a time when the government is under intense pressure to deliver on its promises of peace and security, particularly in the volatile northeastern region.
As the military regroups and evaluates the situation, the nation mourns yet another tragic loss in the ongoing battle against insurgency. The Nigerian government and its security forces must now intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities and neutralize the lingering threat posed by ISWAP.
This resurgence is a stark reminder that the fight against terrorism in Nigeria is far from over, demanding unwavering vigilance and renewed commitment from all stakeholders.
PIONEER NEWS 