Boko Haram launch fresh attack on military base near Niger Republic border killing 30 soldiers

ABOUT 30 soldiers from the Seventh Mechanised Brigade of the Nigerian Army lost their lives yesterday when a military base in Zari near the border with Niger Republic was attacked by Boko Haram insurgents.

In a surprise attack, the terrorists stormed the Nigerian Army facility, stealing weapons and military equipment before they were pushed back by troops backed by aerial support. After they were expelled from the base, the militants were pursued and bombarded by a fighter jets, according to military sources.

One Nigerian Army spokesman said: “They came in large numbers in trucks and carrying heavy weapons and engaged soldiers in a battle that lasted for an hour. We lost at least 30 men as they overwhelmed the troops who were forced to temporarily withdraw before reinforcements arrived but the terrorists also suffered heavy casualty from the bombardment.”

Over recent months, Boko Haram insurgents have intensified attacks against military targets in an attempt to undermine repeated claims by the military that they have been defeated. Last month, Boko Haram attacked a military base from the nearby Garunda village, also in Borno State, where 17 troops were killed.

On July 14, Boko Haram militants overran a military base in Jilli village, in neighbouring Yobe State when dozens of troops were said to have been killed, wounded or missing. Despite government claims that Boko Haram has been defeated, the group still manages to launch these sporadic raids now and again and re-equip itself.