Suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched a deadly attack on a Nigerian military base in Ngamdu, located in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, in the early hours of Friday.
According to reports gathered by Daily Trust, the insurgents, said to be in large numbers, stormed the military camp situated along the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway, engaging troops in a fierce gun battle.
The assault reportedly caught the soldiers off guard and lasted for several hours before the attackers eventually retreated.
Multiple sources from the area confirmed that some soldiers were killed, while others sustained injuries.
“The attack lasted for hours before the insurgents retreated. They managed to kill and wound several soldiers,” a local source told newsmen.
The aftermath of the attack forced the temporary closure of the Ngamdu section of the highway, disrupting traffic flow and stranding commuters.
“I left Damaturu early this morning expecting to arrive in Maiduguri by 9am for an engagement. But upon reaching Ngamdu, we met a blockade,” a traveller who wished to remain anonymous said.
“Security personnel told us to be patient due to a situation on the road. Residents later said that Boko Haram insurgents had attacked the military base and killed soldiers.”
A security source confirmed the attack but downplayed the extent of the casualties.
“Yes, the terrorists attempted an ambush, but our gallant troops repelled them after a tough fight,” the source stated.
“Some soldiers were injured and have been taken to hospital, but many of the insurgents were also neutralized.”
As of the time of filing this report, official military authorities have not issued a statement regarding the incident.
