Drone Warfare Escalates: ISWAP Militants Strike Nigerian Army Base in Borno, Casualties Reported

By Ahmed Kingimi, Kolawole and Adewale

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria, Jan 29 (Reuters) – Islamist militants launched a coordinated drone and ground assault on a Nigerian army base in northeastern Borno state early Thursday, killing several soldiers, military officials confirmed. The attack marks the second major incident reported in the area this week and signals a dangerous evolution in insurgent tactics.

Military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Sani Uba stated that fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) employed armed drones during the raid on the Sabon Gari base, representing a "significant escalation" in the region's protracted violence. The militants breached the perimeter under the cover of darkness, engaging troops in fierce firefights while drone strikes targeted military hardware.

"The enemy utilized unmanned aerial vehicles to destroy several assets, including an excavator and a low-bed trailer, during the engagement," Uba reported. He confirmed that reinforcements later repelled the assault and that operations to pursue the attackers are ongoing. Uba acknowledged that some soldiers and members of the allied Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) "paid the supreme price," but did not provide specific figures.

According to two security sources familiar with the incident, the preliminary toll is at least nine soldiers and two CJTF members killed, with approximately 16 others wounded. The base was temporarily partially overrun before being secured.

This attack comes amid a renewed military offensive by Nigerian forces aimed at dislodging insurgents from their strongholds in the northeast. However, groups like Boko Haram and its more potent splinter faction, ISWAP, have demonstrated resilience. Analysts note they exploit the region's vast, difficult terrain, porous borders, and limited state infrastructure to launch devastating attacks.

Borno state remains the epicenter of a 17-year Islamist insurgency that has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. The adoption of drone technology by militants poses a new, complex challenge for regional security forces, potentially altering the conflict's dynamics.

Reactions & Analysis:

Chidi Nwosu, Security Analyst based in Abuja: "This isn't just another attack. The integration of drone warfare by ISWAP is a game-changer. It indicates external support, possibly through illicit networks, and a leap in their operational capability. The military's strategy must now urgently adapt to counter this aerial threat."

Amina Sule, Humanitarian Worker in Maiduguri: "My heart breaks for the families of those lost. Every escalation like this pushes communities here deeper into fear and suffering. We've been caught in this cycle for over a decade. When will our safety be the top priority? The talk is always of 'pursuing militants,' but the violence only grows."

Colonel (Retd.) Tunde Adebayo, Former Military Strategist: "The writing has been on the wall. Our forces have made gains, but insurgent adaptation has been predictable. This drone attack exposes critical gaps in base air defense and surveillance. It's a severe tactical wake-up call that demands immediate investment in counter-drone technology and revised training protocols."

Fatima Aliyu, Local Business Owner in Borno: "Enough! We are tired of hearing 'several soldiers dead' and 'reinforcesments arrived.' This is our home, and we live in constant terror. The government's promises feel empty. If militants can now attack with drones in the dead of night, where is our protection? This feels like a losing battle, and we, the people, are the ultimate casualties."

(Reporting by Ahmed Kingimi and Kolawole Adewale in Maiduguri; Writing by Elisha Bala-Gbogbo; Editing by Andrew Heavens)