Islamist militants killed at least 20 Nigerian soldiers, including a commanding officer, in an attack on a military base in Malam-Fatori, northeastern Borno state. The assault, which took place on Friday, was carried out by fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Several other soldiers were also injured in the attack.
According to survivors and local residents, the militants arrived in gun trucks and launched a surprise attack on the army’s 149 Battalion. One soldier, who spoke anonymously, said the militants “rained bullets everywhere,” and despite efforts to repel the attackers, they were overpowered after more than three hours of fighting.
Residents of the town, which lies near the Niger border, reported seeing some of the militants in Malam-Fatori as late as Saturday night. Malakaka Bukar, a member of the local militia, said the militants burned buildings and preached to some of the residents.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Borno state, where both Boko Haram and ISWAP militants have targeted security forces and civilians in recent months.
