By Our Correspondent
National News – Renewed attacks by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on Nigerian military bases have raised serious security concerns across parts of northern Nigeria.
In recent weeks, insurgents have launched coordinated assaults on military formations and nearby communities in Borno and Katsina states, leaving dozens of soldiers dead and several facilities destroyed.
Security analysts say the attacks show a deliberate effort by terrorist groups to regain operational strength and reassert control in the North-East.
Reports indicate that at least 65 Nigerian soldiers were killed during multiple attacks on military locations across Borno State.
Towns affected include Jakana, Kawuri, Dalori, Mainok, and Marte. Several senior officers were also reportedly killed during the assaults, while military equipment and vehicles were destroyed.
In some cases, insurgents claimed to have seized motorcycles, burnt military facilities, and attacked nearby police stations.
Security experts say the attacks are part of a broader strategy aimed at weakening government presence in vulnerable communities.
By targeting military bases first, insurgents attempt to remove security barriers that prevent them from entering towns and villages.
Once military positions are weakened or overrun, the groups can easily launch attacks on civilians, displace residents, and establish control over abandoned territories.
According to defence officials, the timing of the attacks may also be linked to the Ramadan period, when extremist fighters believe dying in battle guarantees spiritual rewards.
However, analysts argue that the motivations go beyond religious beliefs.
They say insurgent groups are pursuing long-term territorial ambitions, hoping to recreate the strongholds they once controlled during the peak of the insurgency.
Some security insiders also warn about internal sabotage within security agencies.
Leaks of sensitive military information, including troop movements and operational plans, could allow insurgents to organise ambushes and surprise attacks on military formations.
Experts further note that insurgent groups have adapted their tactics, shifting from large territorial takeovers to mobile and coordinated raids.
This evolving strategy, combined with gaps in intelligence, equipment, and military preparedness, has increased the pressure on security forces battling insurgency in the region.
They advise the Federal Government to adopt modern counter-insurgency strategies, improve surveillance technology, strengthen intelligence gathering, and ensure better cooperation with local communities to prevent further attacks.
