Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
In a significant escalation of insurgent violence in northeastern Nigeria, suspected Boko Haram militants ambushed a Nigerian military convoy in Borno State, resulting in the deaths of seven military personnel, including a newly promoted Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed. The attack occurred on Monday, January 26, 2026, as troops were travelling from Maiduguri — the state capital — towards Damasak in Mobbar Local Government Area, a route that has seen recurring militant activity.
According to military sources, the convoy was targeted with explosives and sustained heavy gunfire, tactics commonly used by Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed, who had recently been elevated from the rank of Major and was leading the surveillance mission, was among those killed, along with six other soldiers.
Details emerging from security circles indicate that the attack followed intelligence reports of militant operations in the area, prompting the lieutenant colonel to mobilise his unit for reconnaissance. However, the troops were ambushed while en route, underscoring the unpredictable and lethal nature of the insurgent threat in the region. Several other soldiers sustained serious injuries, and an unknown number of personnel remain missing following the engagement, prompting ongoing search and rescue efforts.
The bodies of the deceased soldiers were reportedly transported to 7 Division Hospital in Maiduguri for post‑mortem and proper military rites. Shockingly, insurgents are said to have seized the late commander’s mobile phone during the attack; subsequent calls to the device were reportedly answered by individuals believed to be members of the militant group, according to security sources.
The ambush highlights the enduring operational capabilities of insurgent networks in Borno, despite sustained military campaigns targeting Boko Haram and ISWAP strongholds over many years. Security analysts note that the expansive and difficult terrain of northeastern Nigeria, particularly around Mobbar and adjacent border areas with Niger, continues to provide insurgent factions with strategic depth to mount hit‑and‑run operations against both civilian and military targets.
This incident follows broader patterns of violence in Borno State, where jihadist groups have repeatedly used improvised explosive devices (IEDs), ambushes, and heavy small‑arms fire to inflict casualties. In a separate but related context, another insurgent attack in recent days claimed the life of an army major during a foot patrol operation in Damasak, with scores of soldiers reported missing after encountering explosives and gunfire. Security sources indicated that only a fraction of the patrol returned to base following that assault, further illustrating the intensity of militant operations in the area.
Boko Haram and its offshoots have waged an insurgency in northeastern Nigeria since 2009, causing widespread displacement, economic disruption, and loss of life. The conflict has drawn in multiple actors, including regional forces, civilian militias such as the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and international partners, but the insurgency remains resilient. Tens of thousands of civilians and security personnel have been killed over the past decade and a half, and millions more displaced internally or as refugees across the Lake Chad Basin.
Nigeria’s military has responded to such attacks with intensified operations, including air and ground offensives under frameworks such as Operation Hadin Kai, and deployment of reinforcements to vulnerable LGAs. Recent official statements from the Joint Task Force (North East) and army spokespersons emphasise ongoing clearance operations to deny militias freedom of movement, to dismantle entrenched cells, and to secure key supply routes. However, repeated ambushes and high‑casualty engagements underscore the persistent threat posed by insurgents.
The federal government and defence officials are yet to issue a detailed public statement regarding the January 26 ambush. Historically, such attacks trigger condolence responses from state and national politicians, security briefings, and, in some instances, adjustments to tactical deployments. Observers caution that while military strength and tactical responses are critical, sustainable progress will depend on a multi‑pronged strategy that integrates community protection, intelligence sharing, socio‑economic development, and regional cooperation.
The deaths of Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed and his soldiers have reverberated across military and civilian circles, drawing attention to the human cost of Nigeria’s protracted fight against insurgency. Families of the fallen are expected to receive military honours, and commanders have reiterated commitments to pursue the assailants and prevent future losses. At the same time, ongoing insecurity continues to pose a significant challenge for stabilisation efforts in Borno and neighbouring states, affecting both local populations and broader national security objectives.
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