Crime

Boko Haram Launches Armed Drone, RPG Attack on Troops in Borno, Four Soldiers Killed

Published by admin on October 11th, 2025.

Boko Haram Launches Armed Drone, RPG Attack on Troops in Borno, Four Soldiers Killed

A coordinated and deadly ambush by Boko Haram insurgents has left four Nigerian soldiers dead and five others wounded during a fierce engagement near Ngamdu in Borno State.

The assault, which targeted troops from the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI, involved the use of Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and, in a concerning development, armed drones.

According to a statement released on Saturday by Lt. Col. Sani Uba, spokesperson for the Joint Task Force North East, the terrorists aimed to breach military defenses and inflict serious damage on critical assets using both conventional firepower and modern guerrilla tactics.

Despite the ferocity of the attack, Nigerian troops successfully repelled the assault in what was described as a “brutal but well-defended encounter.” However, the military confirmed the loss of four personnel, while five others sustained injuries during the operation.

“Our forces came under heavy fire, including RPGs and coordinated drone-assisted strikes. The intention was to breach our lines and destroy our platforms, but our soldiers responded with precision and resilience,” Uba stated.

Military vehicles, including several Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) trucks and Gun Trucks (GTs), were reportedly damaged during the confrontation. The attackers also planted multiple IEDs along the Ngamdu–Damaturu Main Supply Route (MSR) in a bid to delay reinforcements and obstruct troop movement.

In response, Nigerian Army engineers swiftly mobilised to clear three IED points along the highway, restoring traffic and ensuring the route remained operational for both military and civilian use.

“The safety of our troops and the general public is paramount,” said Uba. “Our engineering teams acted immediately to remove the explosive threats, allowing safe passage and continuity of operations.”

Following the attack, logistical support, including ammunition and spare parts for damaged vehicles, was delivered to the affected troops to sustain their operational capacity in the region.

Intelligence reports gathered after the clash suggest that Boko Haram suffered significant casualties. Eyewitnesses near Bula Wura, close to Wasaram, reportedly observed the insurgents burying at least 15 of their fighters, indicating heavy losses during the engagement.

To prevent further regrouping by the militants, the 29 Task Force Brigade has intensified patrols and launched aggressive follow-up operations to maintain control over key locations and disrupt insurgent movements.

Security analysts say the introduction of armed drones by Boko Haram marks a dangerous evolution in their warfare tactics, raising concerns over the group’s access to advanced weaponry and increasing threat levels in the region.

Operation HADIN KAI, launched in 2021 as a successor to Operation LAFIYA DOLE, remains the cornerstone of Nigeria’s counterinsurgency strategy in the North-East. It targets Boko Haram and its affiliates, including the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), known for attacks on civilians, abductions, and military confrontations.

Although the military has reclaimed large swaths of territory from insurgents in recent years, sporadic and sophisticated attacks—particularly in remote areas and along critical supply routes—continue to pose a serious challenge to peace and stability in the region.