ISWAP Militants Launch Fresh Attacks on Borno Military Posts

Fighters suspected to be from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have launched a series of assaults on military installations within Borno State, with preliminary reports indicating the loss of a commanding officer.

Sources with knowledge of the situation, including intelligence personnel and researchers specializing in jihadi activities, stated that these attacks are believed to be part of ISWAP's ongoing "Camp Holocaust" offensive. The military positions targeted were located in Benisheikh, Pulka, and Mungono.

Intelligence indicates that the assault on Benisheikh, situated in the Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, resulted in the reported death of the commanding officer of the joint task force operating in the area.

As of now, the Nigerian Army has not released an official statement confirming these attacks or providing details on any casualties.

"Camp Holocaust" is an operation that ISWAP initiated at the beginning of last year, focusing on attacking military bases and personnel.

According to a report by Good Governance Africa (GGA), approximately 16 military bases were subjected to attacks during this campaign in the previous year.

Furthermore, the Institute of Security Studies (ISS) estimates that the "deadly campaign" has led to the deaths of around 500 individuals, stemming from no fewer than 200 separate attacks.

The intensity of these offensives appears to be increasing, with insurgents reportedly deploying advanced weaponry, including weaponized drones.

This year alone, several military formations have been targeted in locations such as Mainok, Jakana, Marte, and Konduga, as previously reported.

In response to the rising number of attacks on military facilities, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, convened a meeting with service chiefs last month.

During this meeting, Mr. Musa, a retired army general and former chief of defence staff, acknowledged that military personnel have been killed, but emphasized that the number of casualties among the terrorists is significantly higher.