Boko Haram Overruns Military Base in Kukawa, Kills Commanding Officer, Many Soldiers

By Tgnews Reporter

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched a deadly assault on a military base in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State in the early hours of Monday, overrunning the facility, killing the commanding officer, and claiming the lives of several soldiers.

The attack occurred around 12:30 a.m., with the terrorists approaching from multiple directions and storming the military camp in Kukawa town, according to local and security sources familiar with the incident.

Insurgents reportedly dislodged the troops from the base, set military vehicles ablaze, and looted ammunition and other supplies before withdrawing.

While exact casualty figures remain unconfirmed by official military statements, sources described the losses as significant and “very sad,” specifically confirming the death of the commanding officer (CO) in the fierce engagement.

This latest incident follows a previous attack on the same base last month, which troops successfully repelled, resulting in heavy losses for the insurgents.

That successful defense had earned widespread praise from the local community and social media users, with the commanding officer receiving accolades for his leadership.

The lawmaker representing Kukawa in the Borno State House of Assembly, Karta Maina Ma’aji Lawan, had publicly commended the troops at the time.

Commenting on the recent overrun, the lawmaker expressed deep sadness over the reversal, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.

The assault comes amid a resurgence of militant activity in Borno State. It follows a separate attack in Ngoshe town, Gwoza Local Government Area, where terrorists targeted a military base and an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, killing an unspecified number of soldiers and civilians.

Kukawa, located near Lake Chad, has long been vulnerable to insurgent operations due to its proximity to militant hideouts and the porous borders in the Lake Chad Basin region.

Recent weeks have seen intensified militant incursions, including coordinated night attacks on communities and military positions in areas such as Konduga, Ngoshe, Mainok, and Jakana.

No official statement has been released by the Nigerian military or the Defence Headquarters as of this report. Authorities have yet to confirm details or announce any retaliatory operations.

This development underscores the persistent threat posed by Boko Haram and affiliated groups in northeastern Nigeria, despite ongoing counter-insurgency efforts under Operation Hadin Kai.

Residents in affected areas continue to call for enhanced security measures, better intelligence, and sustained military presence to prevent further attacks.

Security analysts note that such overrunning of bases highlights challenges in remote forward operating locations, where troops often face superior numbers, mobility, and firepower from insurgents equipped with looted or smuggled weapons.

Further updates are expected as more information becomes available from official sources.