Fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have reportedly killed a Nigerian Army major and dispersed a foot patrol during a deadly ambush in Damasak, Borno State.
A Nigerian Army major, who served as the commander of the military base in Damasak, has been killed following a sophisticated ambush by fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The officer was leading a foot patrol of approximately 30 soldiers through Mobbar Local Government Area early on Friday when the unit was targeted with improvised explosive devices and heavy gunfire. The sudden assault forced the troops to scatter; while eight soldiers eventually managed to navigate back to the base, 22 others—including the commanding officer—were initially declared unaccounted for as the insurgents overran the immediate area.
Confusion surrounding the major’s fate emerged after reports surfaced that his mobile phone was being answered by unknown individuals, fueling fears of a possible abduction. A source close to the incident told reporters: “From I gathered the commander of the Damask base led a foot patrol of 30 troops early on Friday. They came under explosives and gun attack from ISWAP, forcing them to disperse. Only eight soldiers returned to base while 22 are unaccounted for, including the commander, a major.” The source further noted that “someone answers his phone each time his base tries to reach him, indicating he is in the hands of ISWAP.”
Despite the initial reports of a potential capture, secondary security sources have since clarified that the officer died during the heat of the engagement rather than being taken alive. While search-and-rescue efforts were launched to locate the remaining 22 missing personnel, the military leadership has yet to issue an official statement regarding the exact casualty toll or the status of the unaccounted troops. The attack underscores the persistent threat posed by ISWAP in northern Borno, particularly around strategic border towns like Damasak.