Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Nigerian Army raises security alert as Boko Haram swarms Borno military base with kamikaze drones

The drone attack occurred moments after the army repelled the terrorists’ initial attempt to take over the base.

• December 25, 2024
BOKO HARAM
BOKO HARAM [Credit: BBC]

The Nigerian Army has raised a security alert after Boko Haram swarmed a military Forward Operating Base in Wajiroko in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State with drones on Tuesday, injuring at least five soldiers.

The incident was confirmed in a military signal that read, “At about 231300A December 24, terrorists launched an attack using MOR and other firearms on troops at FOB Wajiroko in Damboa LGA. Troops repelled the attack, forcing terrorists to withdraw in disarray.”

A soldier who witnessed the incident said a sound like that of a jet was heard on the base before a huge explosion occurred afterwards, Sahara Reporters reported.

The drone attack occurred moments after the army repelled the terrorists’ initial attempt to take over the base.

The signal added that the terrorists used multiple armed drones carrying locally manufactured grenades to carry out the attack on the base.

The army said that multiple military equipment was also damaged during the incident.

“Shortly after, at about 231323A December 24, FOB Wajiroko came under another attack using multiple armed drones carrying locally fabricated grenades. Troops observed up to four different armed drones. Own casualty: Five soldiers sustained injuries. Own equipment casualty: One guntruck damaged.

“Boko Haram/ISWAP casualty: NIL. Casualty received first aid, awaiting evacuation to 25 Brigade Field ambulance for further medical attention.

“General security is calm but highly unpredictable. Troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain satisfactory. Please check,” the signal read.

Peoples Gazette could not immediately reach army spokesperson Onyema Nwachukwu for comments on the attack.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

Nigerian Bar Association

States

Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future

The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FETHA), Ebonyi

Health

Anambra confirms Lassa fever case, activates emergency response

The health commissioner, Afam Obidike, disclosed this on Monday at an emergency stakeholders’ meeting in Awka.

Apapa Customs

Economy

Customs probes removal of shortlisted applicants’ names from recruitment training

The Nigeria Customs Service has opened a review of complaints by applicants screened out of its recruitment exercise despite appearing on the shortlist.

Samuel Erale

States

Delta: Police officers to face orderly room trial for assaulting civilians

A video showed the officers forcing the men into a private vehicle for a yet-to-be-ascertained offence, as bystanders intervened and questioned the reason for the arrest.

Emmanuel Uduaghan

States

Delta declares three-day mourning period for Uduaghan 

Mr Uduaghan died in the early hours of Monday, October 19, at the age of 71.

Lagos

Firefighters extinguish fire from diesel-laden tanker at Otedola Bridge

Earlier in the day, a viral video showed firefighters under the bridge, trying to put out the blaze.

Emmanuel Uduaghan

Heading 2

Tinubu describes Uduaghan’s death as loss to Delta, Nigeria

Mr Tinubu urged the people of Delta to draw strength from Mr Uduaghan’s years of service.