ISWAP Attacks Military Base In Borno, Kills Seven Soldiers, Burns Gun Trucks

 Militants of the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), formerly known as Jama'at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da'wah wa'l-Jihad have launched a deadly attack on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Gajiram, headquarters of Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State.

SaharaReporters gathered that the terrorists struck at about 7:10 p.m. on Thursday, targeting the military base in the town.

Gajiram, situated in northern Borno State, roughly 82 kilometres from the state capital, Maiduguri, has experienced recurrent security challenges and attempted incursions by insurgent groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP.

Military sources told SaharaReporters that the insurgents during Thursday's attack, engaged troops in a fierce gun battle, killing seven soldiers during the confrontation.

"In Gajiram, seven soldiers were killed," a source said.

According to sources, the terrorists temporarily overpowered the base and set ablaze military gun trucks and other logistics before reinforcement arrived.

"The attack was serious. Seven of our soldiers were killed. They burnt our gun truck and some logistics inside the base before air component support came," another source added.

Sources said with the help of the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, troops on the ground were able to repel the attackers.

Military authorities are yet to issue an official statement as of the time of filing this report.

Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province, have killed thousands and displaced millions in northeastern Nigeria.

The Nigerian military has repeatedly claimed that the insurgency has been largely defeated and frequently downplays any losses.

In recent months, soldiers have been targeted by insurgents.