Nigerian troops stopped Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters from attacking a naval base near Lake Chad.
The militants targeted swamp vehicles, but soldiers fought back, killed many, and protected vital equipment.
Troops under Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled a coordinated attack by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents on a naval base located at the Lake Chad Fish Dam in the early hours of Wednesday.
The attack began around 2 a.m. when dozens of heavily armed fighters launched a surprise assault on the base. According to security sources, the insurgents targeted swamp-clearing vehicles recently procured by the Borno State Government to open waterways in the Lake Chad region. These specialized vehicles, known as swamp bogeys, are part of a broader effort to enhance mobility and infrastructure development across the flood-prone zones.
Alert personnel at the base responded swiftly, engaging the militants in a fierce gun battle that reportedly lasted for over two hours. Reinforcements from nearby military units stationed in Baga quickly joined the fight, helping to overpower the attackers.
Despite the intensity of the firefight, the troops held their ground and successfully defended the swamp-clearing equipment. Military sources said that the insurgents were eventually forced to withdraw after suffering significant casualties.
Dozens of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters were reportedly killed during the confrontation. In addition to neutralizing the threat, the troops recovered several materials believed to be used for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs), indicating the attackers’ possible intent to cause large-scale destruction.
However, the assault was not without consequences. The terrorists managed to set fire to an ambulance and two other vehicles before being driven back. Some soldiers sustained injuries in the clash, but no loss of life among the military personnel has been reported so far.
In the aftermath of the attack, the military has deployed aerial surveillance units to track down fleeing insurgents. Troops are also combing the surrounding waterways and marshlands to prevent the terrorists from regrouping or launching further attacks.
The successful defense of the Lake Chad base highlights the growing resilience and coordination among Nigerian forces in the region, as they continue to push back against the remnants of terrorist factions still active around the Lake Chad basin.
Authorities say further investigations and operations are ongoing.
