By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
In a brutal assault, Boko Haram terrorists killed over 20 Nigerian Army personnel, including a battalion commander, two senior officers, and 17 soldiers, during an attack on a military base in Borno State. The attack, which occurred on Friday, January 24, 2025, targeted the 149 Battalion in Malam-Fatori, a border town between Nigeria and Niger Republic.
Eyewitnesses described the attack as intense, with multiple gun trucks assaulting the base for several hours.
The insurgents also set fire to numerous buildings and military vehicles, causing extensive damage to the facility.
Sources confirmed that several soldiers were injured, and many others remain missing as of Saturday.
The commanding officer of the battalion, along with two senior officers and the base medical director, were among those killed in the attack.
This devastating loss comes just days after Boko Haram carried out another attack on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Damboa Local Government Area, also in Borno State.
The frequency and severity of these attacks have raised concerns about the Nigerian military’s ability to combat the terrorist group.
The attack on the 149 Battalion is a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges in the region and the need for a concerted effort to address the root causes of the insurgency.
As the Nigerian government and military struggle to contain the situation, the people of Borno State remain caught in the crossfire, facing a constant threat to their lives and livelihoods.
The international community must also play a role in supporting the Nigerian government’s efforts to combat terrorism and promote peace and stability in the region.
