Islamist militants backed by armed drones have attacked a Nigerian Army base in the country’s northeastern Borno State, killing several soldiers in the early hours of Thursday, according to the military. It was the second reported assault on military positions in the state this week, underscoring a troubling escalation in the insurgency.
Military authorities said fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) carried out the raid, using drones for surveillance and tactical coordination before launching a ground assault on the base. The attackers reportedly struck under the cover of darkness, overwhelming troops after intense fighting.
Lieutenant-Colonel Sani Uba, a military spokesperson, confirmed the incident and said the use of drones by the militants represents a significant shift in their operational capabilities. “The deployment of drones in recent attacks marks a dangerous escalation,” he said, noting that the technology allows insurgents to gather intelligence on troop movements and target positions with greater precision.
While the military did not immediately disclose the exact number of casualties, security sources said several soldiers were killed and others wounded. Equipment and facilities at the base were also damaged during the attack. Reinforcements were deployed to the area shortly after the assault, and air and ground operations were launched to track down the attackers.
Residents of nearby communities reported hearing prolonged gunfire and explosions, prompting fear and temporary displacement as civilians sought safety. Local leaders said the renewed violence has heightened anxiety in a region already battered by years of conflict.
Borno State has been the epicentre of a 15-year insurgency led by Boko Haram and its offshoot, ISWAP, which has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions across northeastern Nigeria. Although the military has claimed progress in degrading insurgent strongholds, recent attacks on military bases suggest the groups retain the capacity to regroup and strike hardened targets.
Security analysts warn that the growing use of drones by militant groups poses new challenges for Nigeria’s armed forces, which have traditionally focused on ground-based counterinsurgency operations. They argue that improved air-defence systems, better intelligence sharing, and enhanced protection for forward operating bases are urgently needed.
The Nigerian Army said it has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack and vowed to hold those responsible accountable. “Our troops remain committed to defending the nation’s territorial integrity,” the military said in a statement, adding that operations would continue to neutralise insurgent threats.
As ISWAP and other armed groups adapt new technologies to the battlefield, the latest attack is likely to intensify debate over military preparedness, resource allocation, and the broader strategy required to end one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts.
