Tragedy struck in Malam-Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, as 22 soldiers, including a commanding officer, were killed in an assault on the military base in the area.
Malam-Fatori, located just two kilometers from the Nigerien border town of Bosso, came under heavy attack on Friday, January 24, 2025. Insurgents reportedly overpowered troops of the 149 Battalion after hours of fierce fighting. Survivors were forced to flee for safety.
Sources revealed that the attackers arrived in multiple gun trucks, setting ablaze military buildings and operational vehicles. Many soldiers were critically injured, while some personnel remain unaccounted for.
A source disclosed that the battalion’s commanding officer, identified as Lieutenant Colonel Alari, alongside two senior officers, including the base’s medical director, were among those killed in the ambush.
It was gathered that the attack occurred as troops were returning from a routine operation in the Timbuktu Triangle when they ran into an ambush set by the insurgents.
The 149 Taskforce Brigade, located near the Lake Chad region, is believed to be a target due to its proximity to areas where insurgents are reportedly taking refuge.
Efforts are ongoing to account for the missing soldiers and to secure the area from further attacks.