Militants Use Armed Drones in Deadly Raid on Nigerian Army Base

Islamist militants aligned with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) launched a coordinated attack on the Nigerian Army’s Sabon Gari base in northeastern Borno State early Thursday, killing several soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). The assault, which involved the use of armed drones, represents a significant tactical escalation in the 17‑year insurgency that continues to destabilize the region.

Details of the Attack

• The militants struck before dawn, breaching parts of the base perimeter after an initial drone bombardment.
• According to military spokesperson Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the drones destroyed several military vehicles, including an excavator and a low‑bed trailer.
• Reinforcements eventually repelled the attackers, allowing the army to regain control of the facility.
• While the military did not immediately release casualty figures, two security sources confirmed that at least nine soldiers and two CJTF members were killed, with around 16 others wounded.

Escalation Through Drone Warfare

The deployment of armed drones by ISWAP marks a troubling shift in militant capabilities.

• Nigerian officials say this is the second drone‑supported attack in the area within a week, raising concerns about the group’s growing access to advanced weaponry.
• Lt. Col. Uba described the development as a “significant escalation” in the conflict.

Military Response and Ongoing Operations

• Nigerian forces have intensified operations in insurgent‑held areas across Borno State as part of a renewed offensive.
• Despite these efforts, ISWAP and Boko Haram factions continue to exploit difficult terrain, porous borders, and limited state presence to mount large‑scale attacks.
• The army has launched pursuit operations to track down the militants responsible for the Sabon Gari assault.

Context: A Region Under Siege

Borno State remains the epicentre of Nigeria’s Islamist insurgency, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions since 2009.

• ISWAP, a splinter faction of Boko Haram, has increasingly targeted military positions, seeking to undermine government control in the northeast.
• The latest attack underscores the persistent volatility of the region despite years of counterinsurgency operations.

Conclusion

The drone‑backed assault on the Sabon Gari base highlights the evolving threat posed by ISWAP and the ongoing challenges facing Nigerian security forces. As the military continues its pursuit of the attackers, the incident raises urgent questions about militant access to drone technology and the broader implications for regional stability.