Nigeria's military chief visits affected area

Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff visited troops stationed in the northeast of the country several days after a jihadist attack that killed 15 soldiers and five members of a local militia fighting against armed groups. The visit occurred amid growing concerns over the security situation in the region.

Jihadist attack targets military base

The attack took place during the night of Tuesday to Wednesday in Mairari, a village in Borno state, a key area in the Lake Chad region. Suspected fighters from the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP) attacked a military base, looting weapons and equipment before setting fire to the installations.

Military sources confirm casualties and destruction

An anonymous Nigerian army officer told the French Press Agency (AFP) that the attackers killed 15 soldiers and five civilians from the Joint Task Force (JTF), a militia assisting the military. The base was completely destroyed, forcing surviving personnel to retreat to Monguno, a nearby garrison city. Several soldiers were reported missing, raising fears they may have been captured.

Local residents describe the attack's impact

Residents of Mairari reported that the attack began around 10 PM GMT and lasted until dawn. The attackers looted valuable items and vehicles, burning the rest. One resident, Grema Butari, confirmed the military's account of the destruction and human toll. Another resident, Ahmad Sherif, said the attackers came from a base in Gudumbali, a neighboring district.

Resurgence of violence in the northeast

Borno state has been the center of a jihadist insurgency since 2009, initially led by Boko Haram. The conflict has grown more complex with the rise of groups like ISWAP, which is affiliated with the Islamic State. Violence has increased in recent years, with a major attack in Kukawa, a neighboring area, killing about 20 fighters and soldiers just before the Mairari incident.

Rising violence and humanitarian crisis

Nigeria is facing a surge in armed violence, with the second quarter of 2026 recording the highest level of conflict since 1997, according to the ACLED project. The jihadist conflict has caused tens of thousands of deaths and displaced millions. The United Nations estimates that two million people have been forced to flee their homes in the northeast, adding to the region's instability.

Concerns over military preparedness

The destruction of the Mairari base and the looting of its weapons have raised concerns about the Nigerian military's ability to secure the region. The Chief of Army Staff's visit highlights the challenges faced by forces trying to maintain a presence in Borno, where armed groups continue to conduct coordinated attacks.