Borno Highway Shut Temporarily After Deadly Boko Haram Attack on Military Base

Four soldiers lost their lives while five others sustained injuries after Boko Haram terrorists launched an early morning attack on a military post in Ngamdu, along the Damaturu–Maiduguri highway in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State on Friday.

The incident reportedly occurred around 2:30 a.m.

Confirming the attack in a statement, the spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Uba Sani, said the troops successfully repelled the terrorists, who suffered heavy casualties during the encounter.

According to him, the insurgents deployed rocket-propelled grenades, armed drones, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in their coordinated assault against the troops and their platforms.

“Despite the intensity of the attack, our troops held their ground and responded with superior firepower, inflicting severe losses on the terrorists,” Sani said. “Sadly, four soldiers were killed in action, while five others sustained injuries. Some Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles and gun trucks also suffered varying degrees of damage.”

He added that the terrorists attempted to block reinforcements and cause more casualties by planting multiple IEDs along the Ngamdu–Damaturu Main Supply Route (MSR), forcing a temporary closure of the highway. Military engineers later cleared three IED-laden spots, and the road has since been reopened to military and civilian movement.

Lt. Col. Sani further noted that the troops have been resupplied with essential logistics, including MRAP tyres and ammunition, to sustain ongoing operations and restore full mobility.

“Credible intelligence indicates that the terrorists suffered heavy losses, with about 15 of their members reportedly buried near Bula Wura, close to Wasaram,” he added.

Meanwhile, motorists reported heavy gridlock along the highway during post-attack clearance operations. Muktar Yahaya, a supervisor with Borno Express, confirmed that several commercial buses were stranded due to intensified military checks.

“Boko Haram attacked Ngamdu, and many of our buses were held up as the military conducted thorough assessments in the area,” Yahaya said.