A coordinated overnight assault by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on two military formations in Yobe State has left at least 36 security personnel feared dead, in what sources describe as one of the most devastating attacks on security installations in the North East in recent months.
The simultaneous attacks reportedly took place around 1:00 a.m. on Friday in Gujba Local Government Area, targeting the Theatre Training Centre in Buniyadi and the 27 Task Force Brigade located in Buni Gari. Both locations are in close proximity and form part of key military operational and training infrastructure in the region.
Security personnel who survived the incident said the attackers arrived in large numbers and launched a highly coordinated offensive that overwhelmed parts of the formations within minutes of engagement. The attackers are believed to have exploited the cover of darkness to maximize the impact of the operation.
According to military sources, the insurgents first struck the Buniyadi training facility before extending the assault to the nearby Task Force Brigade, effectively forcing both locations into simultaneous defensive combat. Troops reportedly engaged the attackers in heavy gunfire exchanges that lasted several hours before the situation was eventually brought under control.
One soldier who participated in the defence of the installations described the attack as sudden, intense, and strategically coordinated. He explained that the proximity of the two military locations created additional pressure, as both formations came under attack almost at the same time, making reinforcement between the bases extremely difficult.
Another survivor corroborated the account, stating that the night was filled with sustained gunfire and confusion as personnel attempted to repel the attackers while also trying to assess the situation across both locations. He noted that communication lines and rapid response coordination were severely tested during the operation.
Preliminary assessments from military sources indicate that the highest number of casualties was recorded at the Theatre Training Centre in Buniyadi, which serves as a key facility for training both soldiers and Mobile Police officers deployed to counter insurgency operations in the North East.
Reports suggest that approximately 33 personnel were killed at the training facility alone. This includes 17 Mobile Police officers undergoing training, 10 soldiers also in training, and 6 soldiers permanently stationed at the centre. The scale of the casualties has raised concerns over the vulnerability of training institutions that are considered critical to Nigeria’s internal security operations.
At the 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni Gari, three soldiers were reportedly killed during the exchange of fire with the insurgents, bringing the combined death toll to about 36 personnel based on initial military intelligence and field reports.
Although official confirmation from the Nigerian military is still pending, security sources indicate that the attackers were heavily armed and appeared to have conducted prior reconnaissance of the targets. Their ability to strike both locations in a coordinated manner has raised questions about intelligence gaps and operational preparedness in the region.
The assault reportedly lasted for several hours before military reinforcements were able to regain partial control of the affected areas. By dawn, the situation had stabilized, although damage assessments and clearance operations were still ongoing at both sites.
Videos and images reportedly obtained from the aftermath of the attack show significant destruction at the installations, including damaged structures and signs of intense firefights. The footage has further intensified public concern over the continuing insecurity in the North East despite ongoing military campaigns against insurgent groups.
The latest attack underscores the persistent threat posed by Boko Haram in the region, even as authorities have repeatedly claimed that the group has been significantly weakened in recent years. The group has continued to carry out sporadic but deadly assaults on both military and civilian targets, particularly in remote areas with limited rapid response capacity.
Residents of Gujba Local Government Area expressed shock and concern over the incident, calling for increased military presence and improved security measures to protect both communities and strategic installations. Many described the attack as a reminder that insurgent groups still retain the capability to launch large scale coordinated operations.
Security analysts say the incident may prompt renewed review of military deployment strategies in the North East, particularly around training centres and forward operating bases that are considered critical to counter insurgency efforts. There are also growing calls for improved intelligence sharing and enhanced surveillance in vulnerable communities.
As of the time of filing this report, military authorities have not released an official casualty figure or detailed operational statement. However, sources within the defence sector confirm that additional troops have been deployed to the area to reinforce security, prevent further attacks, and support ongoing investigations.
The full extent of the damage and the final casualty figures are expected to be clarified as military assessments continue in the coming days.
