Crime, Trending

Surge in Boko Haram, ISWAP Attacks Targets Military Bases, Civilians in North-East

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 15th, 2026.

A wave of coordinated assaults by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on military formations and civilian communities in northern Nigeria has triggered alarm among security analysts and residents, raising fears of a renewed phase of insurgency, Sunday PUNCH reports.

In the past three weeks alone, at least 65 Nigerian soldiers have reportedly been killed in a series of attacks on military bases and surrounding towns in Borno and Katsina states. Communities such as Jakana, Kawuri, Dalori in Konduga Local Government Area (LGA), Mainok in Kaga LGA, and Marte LGA have borne the brunt of these operations.

Military Leadership Losses

The recent attacks claimed several senior officers, including Lt. Col. Umar Farouk at Chukka military base on March 9, Lt. Col. S.I. Iliyasu at 222 Battalion, Konduga on March 6, and Major U.I. Mairiga at Mayenti in Bama LGA on March 1.

ISWAP, through its Amaq News Agency, has claimed responsibility for multiple assaults on Konduga LGA military bases, asserting that the group killed several officers, destroyed bases and vehicles, and seized at least 68 motorcycles. Boko Haram also claimed responsibility for the March 5 attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza LGA, abducting over 300 residents. Nigerian troops, aided by Civilian Joint Task Force members and local vigilantes, recaptured Ngoshe town shortly after the incident.

Insurgents’ Strategy: Territorial Control

Speaking after a security meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Defence Minister Christopher Musa explained the surge in attacks was partly linked to the militants’ religious motivations during Ramadan. “They believe that when they die during operations, they will gain access to paradise. This belief makes them highly dangerous and committed,” Musa said.

However, security experts told The Guardian Nigeria that the attacks have a strategic component beyond ideology. Chigozie Ubani, fellow at the Institute of Security Nigeria, explained, “The insurgents aim to reclaim and control territory. By terrorising communities and targeting military formations, they force residents to flee, creating space to impose their extremist ideology.”

Residents of affected towns corroborated this view. Modu Hassan, a leader in Gwoza LGA, said: “Their objective is domination. Videos released after attacks clearly show they want to claim areas as their provinces. What they do has nothing to do with Islam; it’s about control.”

Insider Threats and Operational Gaps

Top security sources highlighted that the insurgents’ ability to kill commanding officers and overrun positions has been facilitated by internal sabotage. Retired Brig. Gen. George Emdin noted, “Enemies from within are often more dangerous than those outside. Leaked operational details have exposed soldiers, enabling targeted attacks.”

Similarly, Brig. Gen. Peter Aro (rtd) argued that the recent spike reflects both insurgents’ adaptability and the urgent need for the military to modernise tactics. “Asymmetric warfare requires flexible strategies, rapid-response units, surveillance technology, and counter-IED capabilities. Conventional doctrine alone is insufficient against mobile, innovative insurgents,” he told The Nation.

Political Implications

Security analysts also warned that the timing of attacks may have political undertones. A senior officer with the Department of State Services suggested that insurgents often escalate operations ahead of elections to undermine public confidence in the government. “This pattern was seen during the 2015 elections,” he said. Brig. Gen. Bashir Adewinbi (rtd) echoed this, noting, “Some attacks are man-made, designed to create the impression of governmental inefficiency ahead of 2027.”

Call for Technology and Territorial Reclamation

Ahmed Shehu, chairman of Civil Society Organisations in the North-East, emphasised the importance of technological tools to improve inter-agency coordination and prevent further military casualties. “The military must leverage technology for communication and operational monitoring to reduce losses,” he said.

Meanwhile, security experts advocate for a focus on reclaiming and holding territories, arguing that control over land remains central to defeating Boko Haram and ISWAP. Ubani stressed, “Leave insurgents where they are, but secure your own territory. Protect communities and prevent extremists from establishing safe havens.”

Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, assured Nigerians that the military was actively implementing measures to curtail the attacks. “Actions are underway, and results will be visible soon,” he said.