Nigeria’s security landscape has witnessed a series of coordinated assaults on military formations in 2026, raising fresh concerns over insurgent tactics and battlefield dynamics.
The pattern of attacks, which intensified across parts of Borno and extended to other regions, reflects a shift in operational strategy by armed groups targeting military positions.
In January 2025, President Bola Tinubu directed the armed forces to intensify operations against insurgents, particularly in the north-west region of the country.
The directive followed an earlier attack on a military base in Sabon Gari, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, where six soldiers were reported killed.
The president also ordered an investigation into the incident, stating that it would “uncover the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident and ensure that it serves as a valuable lesson to prevent similar occurrences”.
Despite the directive, subsequent developments showed that attacks on military bases persisted, with several incidents recorded before the end of 2025.
By 2026, security reports indicated a noticeable change, as insurgents began focusing more on military installations rather than remaining confined to remote hideouts.
SECURITY INCIDENTS TIMELINE
Available data shows that at least 13 attacks on military bases were recorded between January and April 2026, with several others repelled by troops.
On January 16, troops of Operation Hadin Kai reportedly resisted coordinated attacks on military positions in Adamawa and Borno states.
According to the acting media officer, S.A. Atokolo, insurgents attempted to overrun a patrol base in Madagali but were pushed back after engagement with troops.
He added that a separate attack on a forward operating base in Borno was also repelled following extended exchanges supported by air operations.
On January 20, a patrol team operating from Damasak came under attack by fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province.
A senior officer leading the patrol was killed alongside other personnel, highlighting risks associated with both mobile operations and fixed installations.
Nine days later, insurgents launched a pre-dawn attack on the Sabon Gari base in Borno State.
Reports indicated that the attackers deployed drones and destroyed military vehicles, while casualties were recorded among soldiers and allied forces.
On March 3, the Nigerian Air Force conducted air strikes following an attempted attack on military positions in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area.
Military sources reported that more than 50 suspected insurgents were killed during the operation.
On March 9, another attack occurred in Kukawa, where a commanding officer was killed during a confrontation with suspected ISWAP fighters.
The following day, insurgents targeted a base in Doron Baga within the same local government area, but troops repelled the assault after sustained fighting.
On March 13, an attempted attack on a base in Banki, Bama Local Government Area, was foiled with support from air units, forcing attackers to retreat.
Five days later, troops supported by the Nigerian Air Force repelled an infiltration attempt in Malam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area.
Military accounts indicated that more than 60 insurgents were killed during the operation, which involved ground and aerial engagement.
On March 28, suspected fighters attempted to overrun a base in Mandaragirau, Biu Local Government Area, but were resisted by troops who recorded casualties among the attackers.
On April 9, a military formation in Benisheikh came under attack, resulting in the death of a brigadier-general and other personnel.
Four days later, another incident in Monguno led to the death of a colonel and several soldiers during a response to an earlier assault.
On April 20, suspected attackers targeted a base in Kemanji, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, marking a development outside the north-east.
The Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, confirmed the incident and stated that security forces neutralised several attackers while preventing abductions.
SHIFT IN INSURGENT STRATEGY
Security analysts have linked the frequency of attacks to a broader operational approach adopted by insurgent groups in the region.
Malik Samuel, a senior researcher at Good Governance Africa, explained that the attacks align with a campaign described as “burning of the camps” or “camp Holocaust”.
He said the approach is designed to weaken military capacity by targeting operational bases and disrupting defensive structures.
According to him, the pattern of attacks became more evident after the group intensified activities following internal developments within insurgent networks.
He noted that similar incidents have been observed in neighbouring countries, suggesting a regional dimension to the strategy.
Security experts also point to the increasing use of technology, including drones, as a factor influencing the nature of recent attacks.
Reports indicate that such tools are being deployed to gather intelligence and support coordinated assaults on military targets.
OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES
Analysts said the pattern of attacks highlights the complexity of counterinsurgency operations across affected regions.
They noted that the spread of incidents across multiple locations places pressure on personnel, logistics, and coordination among security agencies.
The involvement of air support in several responses underscores the importance of joint operations in addressing emerging threats.
Experts also observe that maintaining defensive positions while conducting offensive operations remains a key challenge for troops.
CURRENT OUTLOOK
The series of incidents recorded in 2026 reflects ongoing efforts by security forces to respond to evolving threats across different parts of the country.
While several attacks were repelled, the frequency of attempted assaults indicates sustained activity by insurgent groups.
The developments continue to shape discussions on military strategy, resource allocation, and coordination in Nigeria’s security framework.
As operations continue, stakeholders are expected to assess both tactical responses and long-term measures aimed at stabilising affected regions.
