Boko Haram terrorists in Nigeria on Saturday attacked a military base located in the Damboa Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State, according to reports.
The terrorists killed dozens of soldiers, vigilantes and stole military weapons.
The attack occurred around 4 PM on Saturday, with Boko Haram fighters overwhelming the Forward Operating Base in the Sabon Gari area.
Security told Nigerian Sketch that this particular base had previously suffered numerous attacks—over 100 in total—but the recent assault was described as particularly devastating.
Eyewitness accounts and local security personnel confirmed that many soldiers and vigilantes were killed during this encounter, with initial reports indicating at least 12 dead bodies recovered from the scene.
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The insurgents employed tactical strategies to execute their attack effectively.
They initially deployed what appeared to be a military surveillance drone to scout the area before launching their offensive.
This use of military surveillance drone marks a concerning evolution in Boko Haram’s operational capabilities, as they have been reported to utilize such technology for reconnaissance purposes in recent weeks.
Casualties and damage
While exact numbers regarding casualties remain unclear, it is evident that both military personnel and local vigilantes suffered significant losses. The attackers not only inflicted fatalities but also managed to seize military weapons and equipment from the base.
Additionally, operation vehicles and buildings within the base were set ablaze during the assault.
This attack is indicative of a trend within the region where Boko Haram continues to regroup and launch assaults despite previous claims by Nigerian authorities that they had been “technically defeated.”
Following increased military operations against them in Lake Chad, many insurgents have reportedly fled into Nigeria, contributing to heightened violence in areas like Borno State.
The conflict involving Boko Haram has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths since its inception in 2009 and has displaced millions from their homes. The group’s brutal tactics have included mass killings and abductions, which have drawn international condemnation.
The recent attack on a military base showcased an alarming increase in terrorists operational sophistication through military surveillance drone usage. This incident underscores the persistent threat posed by Boko Haram despite ongoing military efforts to combat their insurgency.
The utilization of military surveillance drones by terrorist organizations has evolved significantly over the past few decades. This development can be understood through several historical phases, technological advancements, and shifts in warfare tactics.
Notable examples of drone usage by terrorist groups
Several terrorist organizations have incorporated drones into their operational strategies:
Hezbollah: In the 2006 Lebanon War, Hezbollah utilized drones for reconnaissance missions against Israeli forces. They demonstrated the ability to conduct real-time surveillance and relay information back to command centers.
ISIS: The Islamic State (ISIS) took drone usage to a new level during its territorial expansion in Iraq and Syria from 2014 onwards. They employed commercially available quadcopters equipped with cameras for reconnaissance and even dropped explosives on enemy positions. Their use of drones was not only for surveillance but also as a means of psychological warfare.
Boko Haram: As noted in recent reports, Boko Haram has begun using drones for reconnaissance purposes before launching attacks on military bases and civilian targets in Nigeria. This marks a significant evolution in their operational capabilities, allowing them to gather intelligence about troop movements and fortifications.