At least seven military personnel, including a newly promoted Lieutenant Colonel, have been killed following a deadly ambush by Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State, military sources confirmed on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
The attack occurred on Monday, January 26, as a convoy of troops moved from Maiduguri to Damasak in Mobbar Local Government Area. Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed, recently promoted from the rank of Major, was leading the operation when insurgents struck with explosives and heavy gunfire. The soldiers were reportedly caught off guard despite prior intelligence suggesting terrorist activity in the area.
A military source said, “On January 26, troops en route from Maiduguri to Damasak were ambushed, resulting in the death of seven soldiers, including their newly promoted commander. The Lieutenant Colonel mobilized his troops for surveillance in response to reports of insurgent activity, but they were attacked unexpectedly.”
Several other soldiers were critically injured during the ambush, while a number of personnel remain unaccounted for. Security forces have launched follow-up operations in the region to locate the missing soldiers and neutralize the threat posed by the insurgents.
The bodies of the deceased have been transferred to the 7 Division Hospital in Maiduguri for postmortem and identification. Sources revealed that Boko Haram militants also seized the late officer’s mobile phone, and when senior officers later tried to call him, the terrorists reportedly answered the line, underscoring the audacity and boldness of the attack.
Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province, have been responsible for thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions in Nigeria’s northeastern region over the past decade. Despite intensified counterterrorism operations by the Nigerian military, the insurgents continue to stage ambushes and attacks on both military convoys and civilian communities, highlighting the persistent security challenges in the area.
Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed, described by colleagues as a dedicated and courageous officer, had recently assumed greater responsibility following his promotion. His death is seen as a significant loss to the military hierarchy in Borno, particularly at a time when the region continues to face high-level threats from Boko Haram insurgents.
Residents of Mobbar and surrounding communities have expressed fear and concern following the ambush, as many continue to live under the constant threat of attacks. Security experts note that the incident highlights the need for more coordinated intelligence gathering, rapid response units, and improved protection for troops operating in high-risk zones.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement detailing the number of soldiers still missing or providing updates on ongoing military operations. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies are reviewing strategies to prevent further casualties and ensure the safety of personnel deployed in vulnerable areas of northeastern Nigeria.
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