Boko Haram terrorists raided two Nigerian military bases in Rann and Gajiram, killing and injuring soldiers. Governor Zulum reacts. Read full explosive report.
…. Terrorists strike two key army formations in Borno State, Governor Zulum raises alarm over escalating attacks
By All Facts Newspaper – Maiduguri | May 13, 2025
Boko Haram insurgents have launched a fresh wave of coordinated midnight attacks on Nigerian military bases in Borno State, killing at least five soldiers and leaving several others injured, in what security analysts are describing as a troubling resurgence of terrorist operations in the North-East.
Heavily armed terrorists suspected to be members of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) carried out simultaneous raids on 3 Battalion military base in Rann, headquarters of Kala Balge Local Government Area, and a second formation in Gajiram, located in Nganzai LGA.
Rann lies in the Borno Central axis, bordering Cameroon, about 200 km from Maiduguri, while Gajiram, in Borno North, is approximately 82 km from the state capital.
The multiple attacks occurred around midnight on Tuesday, barely hours after a similar strike on a military formation in Marte, where insurgents reportedly killed several soldiers and looted weapons.
Soldiers Fight Back, But Suffer Losses
Sources confirmed that in Rann, the terrorists launched a heavy assault using sophisticated weapons, leading to the death of five Nigerian soldiers. At least six others were injured in what was described as a “nearly overrun” situation before troops from Operation Hadin Kai fought back and repelled the insurgents.
In Gajiram, Nigerian forces mounted a tactical resistance, eventually forcing the terrorists to retreat, although the extent of casualties on either side remains unclear.
A local resident who spoke to All Facts Newspaper under the condition of anonymity for safety reasons said:
“The attackers were heavily armed. In Rann, they tried to take over the entire base before the military pushed back. We lost soldiers, and some are seriously injured.”
Attempts to get official confirmation from military authorities were unsuccessful at press time.
Renewed Violence Draws Zulum’s Fury
Reacting to the disturbing developments, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, strongly condemned the attacks and demanded urgent intervention from the Federal Government and military hierarchy.
Governor Zulum expressed deep concern over the rising frequency of Boko Haram/ISWAP attacks, not only on civilian communities but now directly on military installations — an escalation that could undermine confidence in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency operations.
“These renewed attacks are a clear indication that the insurgents are emboldened. We must act decisively,” the governor reportedly told security stakeholders in Maiduguri.
Calls for Emergency Security Summit
The latest assault comes on the heels of a passionate plea by the Senate Chief Whip and Senator representing Borno North, who had earlier urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security chiefs to convene an emergency national security summit.
The senator warned that the North-East is slipping back into full-blown conflict, stressing that military bases being targeted again is a dangerous signal that cannot be ignored.
Why It Matters
Military formations in Rann, Gajiram, and Marte have been attacked repeatedly in the past, often with deadly consequences. Tuesday’s coordinated raids raise serious questions about the efficacy of current military intelligence, troop deployment strategies, and the level of preparedness of Nigeria’s armed forces.
Security analysts warn that if left unchecked, this renewed insurgency offensive could spiral into larger territorial incursions similar to the 2014-2015 occupation of several towns by Boko Haram.
Listen to top Radio Stations in Abia State CLICK HERE
Support Afnews Independent Journalism
At Afnews, we are dedicated to providing accurate, insightful, and timely news coverage. Our commitment to journalistic integrity ensures that you receive trustworthy information, unfiltered and unbiased. To maintain our independence and continue delivering quality content, we rely on the support of our readers.
If you value the work we do, please consider making a contribution. Your support enables us to keep bringing you the stories that matter.
Donate today and help us keep independent journalism alive. Thank you for your support!
