‘Dangerous New Phase’ of Insurgency Debated
By Segun Onibiyo and Steven Kefas
(Borno) – Terrorists mounted a brazen assault on Nigerian troops Monday in Kukawa, deploying vehicle bombs and heavy weapons, leaving three soldiers dead and raising fears of strengthened insurgency in the Lake Chad region. (See related story on this site about Nigerian strike against Boko Haram three days earlier in Kukuwa.)
In a shocking display of renewed strength, terrorists launched a sophisticated pre-dawn attack on November 25 against the 101st Special Forces Battalion in Kukawa, Borno State. The militants, armed with gun trucks and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs), attempted to breach the military camp from the Gudumbali area, marking a significant shift from their recent pattern of targeting civilians.
The Nigerian Army reports that troops, supported by air power and drone surveillance, successfully repelled the attack, neutralizing 12 terrorists and recovering a substantial cache of weapons. The assault claimed the lives of three soldiers, highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by military personnel in the region.
Dawn Attack Shows Growing Confidence by Insurgents: Analyst
However, the various Islamist militia on Lake Chad’s western boundary show no sign of pulling back, according to analysts interviewed by TruthNigeria.
“The military’s success in repelling the attack demonstrates their preparedness, but the boldness of the assault raises questions about the terrorists’ growing capabilities says Dr. Ndatsu Muhammed, a Minna-based security analyst, to TruthNigeria.
The Nigerian Army had claimed victory Monday, Nov. 25, in repelling a Boko Haram/ISWAP joint attack in the Kukuwa area of Lake Chad.
Expert Warns of New Terrorist Alliance
Yet, Dr. Walid Abdullahi, a prominent security expert based in Birnin-Kebbi, expressed grave concerns about implications of Boko Haram’s counterattack on Nov. 25.
“This attack signals a dangerous new phase in the Lake Chad region’s insurgency,” he told TruthNigeria. “The frequency of attacks shows that the once technically defeated terrorists have reawakened and are ready to battle Nigerian forces.”
“What’s particularly concerning is that this is the first time in a long while that terrorists have directly confronted military formations in the region,” Dr. Abdullahi noted. “They have previously focused on soft targets and civilians, but now they’re showing the boldness to engage military units directly. This is deeply worrying.”
International Security Implications
The attack raises significant concerns for Western nations, particularly the United States, as it suggests a possible alliance between previously warring jihadist factions. Since 2016, Boko Haram’s splinter groups – Jamaat Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Dawah wal-Jihad (JAS) and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) – have been locked in territorial battles. ISWAP gained dominance following the death of JAS leader Abubakar Shekau in 2021, but recent developments suggest a shifting landscape.
Strategic Shift in Terrorist Operations
“The sophistication of the attack, involving multiple VBIEDs and coordinated forces, indicates enhanced operational capabilities, said Dr. Mohammed to TruthNigeria. The terrorists’ arsenal included anti-aircraft guns, heavy machine guns, and RPGs [rocket-propelled grenades], suggesting improved access to military-grade weapons. This evolution in their tactical approach demonstrates a concerning level of organizational capacity and resource availability.
Regional Security Dynamics
The Lake Chad Basin, encompassing parts of Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, has long been a hotbed of terrorist activities. The recent attack in Kukawa highlights the persistent challenge of securing this vast, often porous border region. The potential collaboration between terrorist factions could further complicate regional security efforts and require enhanced international cooperation.
Call for New Counter-terrorism Strategy
“The Nigerian government and the Multinational Joint Task Force must urgently develop new strategies to counter these emerging threats,” Dr. Abdullahi emphasized. “The traditional approach may no longer be sufficient given the apparent collaboration between previously rival groups.” He stressed the need for improved intelligence sharing among regional partners and better coordination of counter-terrorism efforts.
Sahel Region at Risk
The potential merger of Jama’tu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters presents a significant threat to regional stability, according to the analysts. In 2023, JAS began recapturing territories and launching attacks, reversing ISWAP’s previous gains. Security experts fear this latest attack may indicate a formal alliance between the groups, potentially creating a more formidable force in the Sahel region.
Signs of Enhanced Terrorist Capabilities
The recovered items from the attack – including sophisticated weapons and numerous motorcycles – demonstrate the terrorists’ significant resource base. The attempted use of seven VBIEDs, four of which were destroyed, shows their capacity for complex, coordinated attacks. The seizure of 152 rounds of Shilka ammunition particularly concerns security experts, as it indicates access to advanced military hardware.
The resurgence of terrorist activities in the region continues to affect local communities severely. The attack on military installations near civilian areas puts the population at risk and threatens the gradual return to normalcy that many parts of Borno State have been experiencing. Humanitarian organizations operating in the region may need to reassess their security protocols in light of these developments.
Military Response and Ongoing Operations
Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen O.O. Oluyede, has urged troops to maintain their operational tempo. The army continues house-to-house searches in Kukawa, demonstrating their commitment to securing the area and preventing future attacks. The military’s response to this incident will be crucial in determining the trajectory of counter-terrorism efforts in the region.
This bold attack on a military installation marks a concerning evolution in the northeastern insurgency, suggesting that despite previous successes in counter-terrorism operations, the region faces renewed challenges from an apparently reinvigorated and potentially unified terrorist threat. The international community must remain vigilant and supportive of Nigeria’s efforts to combat this evolving security challenge, according to TruthNigeria’s sources.
Segun Onibiyo and Steven Kefas are conflict reporters for TruthNigeria.
