Northern Nigeria: after years of calm, jihadists attacked Maiduguri city

Security Update: Attack on Military Post in Maiduguri

Suspected insurgents launched an attack on a Nigerian military post near Maiduguri, a key city in the northeastern region. The incident took place in the early hours of the morning, specifically around 12:15 am, in the Ajilari Cross district, close to the city's airport.

According to local sources, the attack was carried out by individuals believed to be associated with Boko Haram. However, the military forces stationed at the post managed to repel the attackers swiftly, maintaining calm in the area by the morning. Additional incidents of violence were reported in the Damboa local government area, located south of Maiduguri.

Police reports indicate that the incidents were characterized by sporadic gunfire and explosions, attributed to attempted infiltrations by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP militants. In response, joint security operatives, who were on high alert, engaged the insurgents effectively, resulting in the attackers retreating. No casualties were reported among military personnel or civilians, although the insurgents are believed to have sustained losses.

An emergency services spokesperson confirmed that the military successfully repelled the attacks with no civilian casualties. Residents reported four fatalities among the attackers.

Maiduguri has experienced a fragile state of calm in recent years, following a history of violence that peaked in the mid-2010s. The last significant attack was in 2021, when Boko Haram launched mortar attacks on the city, resulting in ten casualties. Despite the relative calm within the city, surrounding areas continue to experience violence from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Recent activities by jihadist groups have included increased assaults on military installations in northeastern Nigeria. Over the 16-year span of this insurgency, more than 40,000 individuals have lost their lives, and approximately two million have been displaced.

The Nigerian military has acknowledged coordinated attacks on multiple bases in the northeast, which resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people, including 10 soldiers.

In response to the ongoing security challenges, the United States has begun deploying troops to Nigeria. The US Africa Command plans to send a total of 200 personnel to assist with training and technical support for Nigerian soldiers combating jihadist groups.

Based on reporting by Africanews.