- ISWAP attack in Damasak targets Nigerian Army patrol
- Army major killed during early morning ambush
- 22 soldiers initially missing after attack
- Security situation in Borno worsens amid rising insurgent assaults
An ISWAP attack in Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area in Borno State, has resulted in the death of a Nigerian Army major, raising fresh concerns about security in Nigeria’s North-East.
Suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have attacked a military patrol in Damasak, Borno State, killing a Nigerian Army major who was in charge of the local military base.
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According to sources cited by TheCable, the officer was leading a foot patrol of about 30 soldiers in the early hours of Friday when the troops walked into an ambush involving improvised explosive devices and gunfire.
The sudden attack caused chaos among the soldiers, forcing them to scatter in different directions. Only eight soldiers reportedly made it back to the base, while 22 others were initially unaccounted for, including the commanding officer.
“From what I gathered, the commander of the Damasak base led a foot patrol of 30 troops early on Friday. They came under explosives and gun attack from ISWAP, forcing them to disperse,” a security source told TheCable.
“Only eight soldiers returned to base while 22 were unaccounted for, including the commander, a major.”
There were early claims that the officer might have been captured alive, as calls made to his phone were allegedly answered by an unknown person, suggesting he was in ISWAP custody.
However, another security source later dismissed the abduction claims, stating that the army major was killed during the ambush, not captured.
As of the time of filing this report, official confirmation is still awaited, with military authorities yet to issue a formal statement.
The latest attack adds to a growing list of deadly assaults in Borno. In November 2025, ISWAP fighters killed Brigadier General M. Uba during an ambush on a military convoy along Damboa Road, near Wajiroko, while troops were transporting equipment.
