Terrorists from ISWAP have killed more than 40 Nigerian soldiers, including Lieutenant Colonel SI Iliyasu, in a series of brutal attacks on military bases in Borno State.
The coordinated assaults struck positions in Konduga, Mainok, Jakana, and Marte between late on 5 March and early on 6 March 2026.
Fighters overpowered troops at some locations, set vehicles ablaze, and caused heavy losses before withdrawing.
Reports first emerged on social media, with footage showing burning military equipment and intense gunfire.
Lieutenant Colonel SI Iliyasu, the commanding officer at one of the targeted bases in Konduga, lost his life during the fighting.
Sources close to the military described the attacks as fierce and well-planned.
While the army insists troops repelled the terrorists and inflicted casualties on them, the scale of soldier deaths has shocked many.
In response, the Chief of Army Staff rushed to Maiduguri for an emergency visit.
He met with commanders on the ground to assess the situation and boost morale among the forces.
The attacks highlight the persistent danger that ISWAP poses in the northeast, even as counter-insurgency operations continue under Operation Hadin Kai.
Local communities near the bases remain on edge.
Many residents fled their homes during the night of the assaults, and tensions linger in the area.
Security forces now patrol more heavily, while airstrikes have targeted fleeing terrorists in follow-up actions.
The violence adds to the long struggle against insurgency in Borno.
Despite ongoing military efforts, fighters still launch deadly raids on outposts and villages.
Nigerian troops face tough conditions in the remote terrain, yet they push back against these threats every day.
Everyone hopes for stronger measures to protect soldiers and civilians alike.
The sacrifices of those who fell remind us how costly this fight remains.
