In a chilling escalation of insurgent tactics, Boko Haram terrorists launched a coordinated assault on Nigerian Army troops stationed in Ngamdu, Borno State, using armed drones, Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), and command-detonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
The deadly encounter, which targeted soldiers under the 29 Task Force Brigade, Operation HADIN KAI, occurred late Friday and has left four Nigerian soldiers dead and five others injured, according to military authorities.
Confirming the attack in a statement on Saturday, the spokesman for Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said the insurgents launched a fierce offensive in an attempt to overrun military positions and destroy key assets.
“The terrorists attempted to overwhelm our positions using RPGs, armed drones, and coordinated IED strikes, but our troops stood firm and responded with superior firepower,” Uba said. “Unfortunately, we lost four brave soldiers, and five others were wounded.”
Despite the scale and sophistication of the attack, Nigerian troops reportedly held their ground after engaging the insurgents in what military officials described as a “fierce and successful defensive operation.”
The terrorists’ offensive caused significant material damage, with several Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and Gun Trucks (GTs) hit during the confrontation.
In a bid to delay reinforcements and inflict further casualties, Boko Haram fighters planted multiple IEDs along the Ngamdu–Damaturu Main Supply Route (MSR) — a critical corridor for both military logistics and civilian movement.
Army engineering units swiftly responded, clearing three IED-laden points along the route and restoring traffic flow after several hours of disruption.
“Security of our troops and the public remains a top priority,” Lt. Col. Uba stated. “Our engineering units acted swiftly to neutralise the threat and restore movement along the supply route. The area is now secure.”
Intelligence gathered after the attack revealed that Boko Haram suffered heavy losses. Military sources confirmed that at least 15 bodies of the attackers were buried by their comrades around Bula Wura, near Wasaram, using pushcarts — an indication of the devastating impact of the Army’s counter-assault.
To prevent regrouping, the 29 Task Force Brigade has launched fighting patrols and exploitation operations across the area, targeting possible hideouts and reinforcement routes.
“These operations aim to deny the terrorists freedom of movement and reinforce control over key strategic points,” a senior military officer told Chronicles Reporters on condition of anonymity.
The deployment of armed drones in this latest attack marks a disturbing evolution in Boko Haram’s operational capacity. Security analysts warn that the insurgents’ ability to integrate aerial platforms into ground offensives underscores their growing sophistication and access to advanced weaponry — possibly through black-market channels linked to international terror networks.
A defence intelligence source described the development as “a dangerous escalation,” urging the Nigerian military to strengthen airspace surveillance and electronic warfare capabilities in the North-East.
Operation HADIN KAI, launched in 2021 to replace Operation LAFIYA DOLE, serves as the Nigerian military’s main counterinsurgency framework against Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
While the military has made notable territorial gains in recent years, insurgent groups continue to conduct asymmetric attacks — targeting military convoys, supply routes, and remote villages in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States.
In recent months, there has been a resurgence of high-intensity ambushes along major highways and border communities, raising concerns about Boko Haram’s regrouping efforts and the possible influence of foreign combat technology.
Following the Ngamdu attack, the Nigerian Army confirmed that logistical reinforcements, ammunition, and spare parts for damaged MRAPs were promptly deployed to maintain momentum in the operational theatre.
“The morale of troops remains high,” Lt. Col. Uba assured. “Our forces continue to demonstrate courage, resilience, and professionalism in the face of evolving threats.”
Security analysts, however, say the use of armed drones could force a strategic rethink in the counterinsurgency campaign, calling for greater intelligence coordination between air and ground components of Operation HADIN KAI.
As the military intensifies patrols in Ngamdu and surrounding communities, local residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements through established military communication channels.