Suspected Islamist militants kill 20 Nigerian troops
Suspected Islamist militants kill 20 Nigerian troops in Borno state on 24th January, Reuters reports.
ISWAP fighters attacked the army’s 149 Battalion in Malam-Fatori town, which is bordering Niger.
Reasons for suspicion of Islamist violence is due to the fact that Boko Haram and Islamic State West Province ISWAP fighters largely operate in Borno, targeting security forces and civilians. Also, Malakaka Bukar, a member of the army affiliated militia, said that the militants “preached to some of the residents”.
One of the soldiers who survived the attack told Reuters by phone that troops were taken by surprise as the militants “rained bullets everywhere”.
“We tried so much to repel the attacks and after more than three hours of gun duel, they overpowered us, killing our commanding officer, a lieutenant colonel,” the soldier said, declining to be named because he is not authorised to speak to the media.
The soldier claims that not only did militants kill 20 Nigerian troops, several soldiers were also injured. The militants also allegedly burnt buildings.
Fighters were seen in the area in Malam-Fatori on the 25th, a day after the attack, according to residents.
Although weakened by military assaults and internal fighting over the years, Boko Haram and ISWAP have stepped up attacks in Borno since the turn of the year, killing dozens of farmers and fishermen in series of raids.
Increased militant violence in Africa is a growing concern, particularly as foreign actors amp up their military presence
Reuters
