Coordinated Boko Haram Attacks on Military Bases in Borno State: At Least Four Soldiers K!lled in Recent Assaults
In the early hours of Tuesday, May 13, 2025, suspected Boko Haram militants launched a series of coordinated attacks on three military bases in Borno State: Rann, Gajiram, and Dikwa. These attacks resulted in the tragic loss of at least four soldiers, with several others left injured.
According to security and local sources, the insurgents targeted the military formations at these locations in the dead of night, engaging the troops in fierce combat. While the military successfully repelled attacks in both Dikwa and Gajiram, heavy casualties were reported among the insurgents in those areas. However, the attack on the Rann military base proved more devastating, leaving a significant loss of life among the soldiers stationed there.
Security sources confirmed the devastating news that the attack on the military formation in Rann led to the deaths of four soldiers, with six others suffering injuries. "We lost four soldiers while four sustained gunshot wounds. They also set ablaze MRAP, a gun truck, and a Russian-made T-72," one security source explained.
A local resident shared harrowing details of the attack, stating that the terrorists began their assault on the military base at around 12:00 a.m. They engaged the soldiers in a prolonged battle, eventually overpowering them. "The military had to retreat. They looted weapons, including gun trucks, before leaving the base," the resident recounted. "We saw the corpses of four soldiers and several others who were injured, but I cannot be certain of the total number."
The source further mentioned that the terrorists only retreated when a fighter jet arrived on the scene, providing vital aerial support to the overwhelmed soldiers.
Rann, a remote town located in Kala-Balge Local Government Area, lies in the far northeastern part of Borno State. It is situated approximately 175 to 200 kilometers east of Maiduguri, the state capital. Reaching Rann is a difficult journey due to the region’s poorly maintained roads, especially during the rainy season when many roads become impassable. The insecurity in the area further complicates travel, often necessitating armed escorts for safety. Historically, the region’s poor infrastructure has hampered both humanitarian access and military operations, making it a particularly vulnerable area for attacks.
In a separate but related incident, terrorists also targeted Gajiram, the headquarters of Nganzai Local Government Area. After more than an hour of intense gunfire between the insurgents and the military, the attackers were forced to retreat. “The terrorists sustained heavy casualties and were ultimately driven back during the coordinated attacks on Rann, Gajiram, and Dikwa,” one military source said.
The attack on Gajiram appears to be part of a broader strategy by the terrorist group, with some analysts speculating that their ultimate goal is to seize control of Monguno. “The ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) attack on Gajiram is likely a signal that their target is Monguno. They might be attempting to isolate the town in preparation for a larger assault,” the soldier explained. “We are urging the Air Force to remain on high alert to prevent further attacks.”
Captain Reuben Kovangiya, the Army Public Relations Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, confirmed the attacks in a statement to the media on Tuesday. He acknowledged the losses in Rann but expressed confidence in the military’s ability to continue fighting the insurgency.
"Yesterday alone, there were attacks in Rann, Dikwa, and Gajiram. All these attacks were defeated except in Rann, where the terrorists managed to penetrate to some extent, leading to the loss of four personnel," Capt. Kovangiya said. "However, let me reassure you that the Nigerian military is fully committed to eradicating terrorism and restoring peace to the region once and for all, and we are working towards achieving this goal in the shortest time possible. We just need the support of the entire nation."
The spokesperson highlighted the significant progress made in combating terrorism, noting that the insurgents have been severely degraded. “There is little doubt that normalcy has greatly returned to the Northeast region compared to where it was five to ten years ago. In every conflict, there are several campaigns that involve coordinated operations to achieve strategic objectives,” he explained. “Sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose. The most important thing is to assess what you gain versus what you lose. In the last week alone, over 20 terrorists have been neutralized, and weapons have been seized, while operations continue across multiple fronts.”
He also pointed out the positive impact of recent military successes, such as the return of nearly 20,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes in Malam Fatori and Kukawa, thanks to the ongoing efforts of the military. However, he cautioned that the situation in Nigeria is closely linked to the wider instability in the Sahel region, where militant groups have been plundering weapons from military bases in neighboring countries. These weapons often make their way into Nigeria, further fueling the insurgency due to the country’s vast and porous borders.
Additionally, the Nigerian military successfully repelled an attack on Dikwa just a day after the assault on Marte, which had forced the military to abandon the base and seek refuge in Dikwa. “Thank God many terrorists were killed when the Nigerian Air Force arrived and provided much-needed aerial support,” one soldier said, emphasizing the critical role of air power in the defense of the region.
As the battle against Boko Haram and other terrorist factions rages on, the Nigerian military remains resolute in its mission to protect the people of Borno State and restore stability to the northeast. However, the ongoing threats of insurgency continue to challenge the country’s security forces, calling for more vigilance, coordination, and support from both national and international communities.
