Maiduguri, Nigeria – Four civilian vigilantes were killed and four soldiers were reported missing after suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters launched an attack on a military base in Mayenti, Borno State, according to security sources.
The assault, which took place late on Monday night, comes just one day after ISWAP released a video confirming the execution of a Nigerian Army officer, Brigadier General Samaila Uba.
Details of the Mayenti Attack
Security sources told reporters that ISWAP militants rode into Mayenti, a town near the militant hotspot of Dara Jamal, in an attempt to overrun the military facility.
Troops from Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled the insurgents, reportedly killing several terrorists. However, four members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), a local vigilante group assisting the military, were killed in the fierce battle.
While retreating, the ISWAP fighters set fire to two trucks belonging to the Borno State Ministry of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Resettlement, and killed four labourers.
The raid occurred shortly after the Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, had departed Borno State and mere hours after the video of General Uba’s killing was circulated.
General Uba’s Execution
The execution video confirmed the death of Brigadier General Uba, who had escaped an earlier terrorist ambush on Saturday. He lost contact with his troops while awaiting rescue and was subsequently captured and killed by the terrorists.
The twin incidents have sparked renewed concern across Nigeria regarding the government’s ability to contain the long-running insurgency in the north-east, particularly after recent critical comments on the security situation by US President Donald Trump.
Calls for Decisive Action
The death of the Brigadier General has provoked public outrage, with citizens demanding decisive action to eliminate terrorists across the North-east.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has intensified his calls for a coordinated and technology-driven military approach. When receiving the new Chief of Air Staff last Monday, he urged the federal government to procure more drones and run coordinated attacks targeting hotspots like the Lake Chad area, Sambisa Forest, and the Mandara Mountains. He also called for increased funding for the military and the Multi-National Joint Task Force.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the renewed insecurity, particularly the general’s killing, as a “serious security threat.” He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take the necessary steps or consider resignation, arguing that the country “cannot continue on its current path.”
The renewed offensive by insurgents comes weeks after President Tinubu appointed new service chiefs to tackle the security challenges. During his visit, the Chief of Air Staff, Mr. Aneke, reassured Governor Zulum of the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to improving air-ground coordination, strengthening intelligence operations, and protecting civilians while combating terrorism.
Military officials in the North-east Operation Hadin Kai did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the latest attack.
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