Senior Officer Killed As Insurgents Capture 13 Troops
By HALIMA TAKWAS
SUSPECTED members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have reportedly carried out a deadly ambush on Nigerian troops near Damasak in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State, killing seven soldiers and capturing 13 others.
The incident, which reportedly occurred on Monday, took place along the Maiduguri–Damasak road, an area that has remained vulnerable to insurgent attacks despite ongoing military operations.
Among those killed was a commanding officer recently elevated from major to lieutenant colonel, according to reports.
Analyst Raises Alarm
Conflict researcher Philip Brant confirmed the attack in a post on X, noting similarities between the latest incident and previous attacks involving the capture of senior military officers in Borno State.
He recalled the November 2025 incident in which Brigadier General Musa Uba, commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade, was captured and executed following an ambush near Damboa.
Casualties and Uncertainty
Reports indicate that the attackers used explosive devices before engaging soldiers in intense gunfire. In addition to the confirmed fatalities, several soldiers sustained injuries, while others are believed to be missing.
The bodies of the deceased soldiers were later recovered and taken to the 7 Division Hospital in Maiduguri.
Awaiting Official Confirmation
As of the time of reporting, the Nigerian Army had not issued an official statement on the incident. Attempts to obtain comments from the army’s spokesperson were unsuccessful.
Boko Haram and ISWAP have waged an insurgency in Nigeria’s North-east for more than a decade, resulting in thousands of deaths and mass displacement. While some areas have experienced relative calm and resettlement, incidents such as this highlight the persistent security challenges facing the region.
