Gunmen attack Borno military base, kill eight soldiers

Insurgents believed to be from Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have killed eight soldiers at a Nigerian Army base in Borno State.

Reports say the attack happened in the early hours of Friday. The terrorists struck the 162 Battalion on the Mandara-Burtai road.

Surviving soldiers told Sahara Reporters that the attack took place around 4 a.m. during a rain.

The Nigerian Army has not released any statement about the attack. But reports mention that a reinforcement team has been sent to the area.

A local researcher keeping an eye on the situation in Borno said details about the attack are unclear. He added that it is too soon to say if Boko Haram or ISWAP was behind it.

He explained that both groups are active in the area. "Ali Ngulde, a Boko Haram commander, operates in the Mandara mountain area," he said. "But recently, an ISWAP commander, Amir Ahmad, has been leading fighters in attacks on military targets along Bama, Madagali, and Askirita Uba axis which link to the Mandara area."

This attack comes as US and Nigerian troops continue their military operations together.

Last month, these troops killed Abubakar Mainok, a high-ranking ISWAP commander, along with other fighters. The Defence Headquarters reported that about 20 insurgents died during these operations.