Army Major feared dead as ISWAP fighters ambush military patrol in Borno

A Nigerian Army major has lost his life following an attack by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on a military patrol in Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area in Borno State.

According to security sources, the senior officer, who was in charge of the Damasak military base, was leading a foot patrol alongside about 30 soldiers in the early hours of Friday when the team was ambushed by insurgents.

The patrol reportedly came under heavy assault, with the attackers using explosives and gunfire, leading to the tragic death of the officer during the confrontation.

The assault forced the soldiers to scatter. While eight officers later returned to base, 22 soldiers were initially unaccounted for, including the commanding officer.

“From what I gathered, the commander of the Damasak base led a foot patrol of 30 troops early on Friday. They came under explosives and gun attacks from ISWAP, forcing them to disperse. Only eight soldiers returned to base while 22 are unaccounted for, including the commander, a major,” a source said.

“Someone answers his phone each time the base tries to reach him, indicating he may be in the hands of ISWAP,” the source added.

Conflicting reports had earlier suggested the major might have been captured after unknown individuals reportedly answered calls to his phone.

However, another security source dismissed these claims, saying the officer was killed during the ambush and not abducted.

At the time of reporting, there was no official statement from the Army or the Borno State Police Command.

Recall that late last year, Brigadier General M. Uba was killed by ISWAP fighters following an ambush on a convoy of soldiers and Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, operatives in Borno State. The terrorists attacked the troops along Damboa Road, near Wajiroko, as they were transporting military equipment.