At least 27 soldiers were killed during a suicide attack by Islamic State-affiliated militants in the northeast, military sources confirmed the incident to AFP, describing it as one of the deadliest attacks on troops in recent years. The attack, one of the deadliest in recent years, occurred Friday night in the Timbuktu Triangle, a region notorious for jihadist activity spanning Borno and Yobe states.
“It was dark, which made it difficult for the troops to have a clear view of the surroundings,” said one officer, describing how a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the advancing convoy. Another source confirmed that the death toll could rise, with many soldiers critically injured.
Among the casualties was the commander, a sobering loss that shows the growing sophistication of these militants.
A Tactical Ambush in Familiar Terrain
This attack reflects a disturbing pattern of jihadist operations in the region. ISWAP, a faction that splintered from Boko Haram in 2016, has grown into the dominant militant force in northeast Nigeria. They have seized strategic territories, including the Timbuktu Triangle and Sambisa Forest, turning these areas into fortified strongholds. Known for planting roadside mines and deploying vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, ISWAP continues to outmaneuver Nigerian troops in their own backyard.
In this latest ambush, the militants exploited both the terrain and darkness, concealing their deadly payload in thick foliage before striking. How did this happen despite years of military operations aimed at dislodging these groups? Where is the intelligence that should prevent such attacks? These are questions that demand urgent answers as Nigeria’s military strategy comes under renewed scrutiny.
A 15-Year Conflict That Keeps Evolving
The northeast has been a battleground for over 15 years, with Boko Haram and ISWAP responsible for killing over 40,000 people and displacing two million more. The violence has spilled into neighboring countries like Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, prompting the creation of a regional force. But even with this multinational effort, the militants remain resilient, adapting their tactics and leveraging local grievances to recruit fighters.
Despite repeated claims of progress from government officials, attacks like this expose the fragility of those assurances. Just last year, seven soldiers were killed by a landmine in the same region. These incidents highlight the evolving nature of the insurgency and the apparent inability of Nigerian forces to keep pace.
Who Will Save Nigeria From Insecurity?
Nigeria’s insecurity crisis is not limited to the northeast. Across the country, citizens are struggling with kidnapping, ritual killings, fraud, and armed banditry. The federal government insists it is making strides, but the reality on the ground tells a different story. If insurgents can orchestrate such devastating attacks against trained soldiers, what hope is there for ordinary Nigerians?
The truth is, we are running out of time. The military needs better funding, modern equipment, and actionable intelligence. But more importantly, there must be accountability.
