Military sources who spoke with Sahara Reporters said the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday when insurgents launched an offensive on a Forward Base located at Banki junction along the Bama–Gwoza Road.

According to sources, the attackers opened fire sporadically on the facility, resulting in heavy casualties, including a Major identified as U.I. Mairiga.

“An attack at Forward Base operations at Banki junction around 0400hrs by gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram terrorists led to the death of an Army Major and many other soldiers this morning.

“Their corpses are being transferred to 7 Division military hospital in Maiduguri,” the source added.

The gunmen were said to have attacked in multiple groups, making it difficult to ascertain their exact number. Several soldiers were reportedly killed, while others fled into nearby bushes.

The latest assault comes weeks after another deadly attack on a military base in Jakana, Kaga Local Government Area of the state.

During that incident, insurgents reportedly burnt armoured tanks and military vehicles and carted away ammunition.

“An attack occurred this morning, 06/02/2025, at an Army outpost along Maiduguri/Damaturu Road, Jakana town, by Boko Haram terrorists, with many casualties recorded on our side,” a source had said at the time.

Days before the Jakana attack, seven military personnel, including a newly promoted Lieutenant Colonel, were killed in an ambush.

The officer, identified as Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed, was said to have been leading troops from Maiduguri to Damasak in Mobbar Local Government Area when they came under heavy gunfire and explosives from insurgents.

Sources said several soldiers sustained serious injuries, while some personnel remain unaccounted for.

Security analysts note that since the death of former Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad leader, Abubakar Shekau, ISWAP has strengthened its presence in areas around Lake Chad.

The group’s ranks reportedly expanded following the defection of hundreds of fighters previously loyal to Shekau, raising concerns over renewed insurgent activity in the North-East.