At least two Nigerian soldiers—a Captain and a Corporal—lost their lives during a brutal Boko Haram attack on Izge village in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The assault began around 1 a.m. on Monday, as heavily armed insurgents stormed a military base in Izge, a strategic area close to the notorious Sambisa Forest, about 20 kilometers southwest of Gwoza town.

Eyewitnesses told Vanguard that the terrorists initiated the assault using Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), targeting soldiers under Operation Hadin Kai. The fierce gun duel that followed lasted several hours.

Despite being heavily outgunned, troops—supported by local vigilantes, hunters, and brave civilians—successfully repelled the attack.

A resident, Mallam Isa Usman, shared his account:

“We were attacked at 1 a.m. when most of us were asleep. Unfortunately, we lost a Captain and a Corporal in the clash. However, many of the terrorists were also neutralized. Those who survived retreated, carrying their fallen colleagues’ bodies with them.”

The insurgents, after suffering heavy losses, quickly evacuated their casualties from the battlefield.

Reacting to the development, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, expressed serious concern over the ongoing insurgency in the region. While praising the gallant efforts of the Nigerian military, he urged the federal government to act swiftly and decisively.

“The federal government must equip and motivate our military with sophisticated tools to end the over-decade-long Boko Haram crisis. This will help address not just terrorism but other security challenges such as kidnapping and banditry,” Ndume stated.

He also hailed the courage of Izge residents who supported military efforts to repel the attackers.

“The residents of Izge have shown great bravery. They assisted the troops in repelling the attack, leading to the recovery of looted arms and ammunition,” he added.

Efforts to reach Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Kenneth Daso, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. However, the Executive Chairman of Gwoza LGA, Hon. Abba Kawu Idrissa Timta, confirmed the attack.

Timta disclosed that while the military casualty figures were still being compiled, intelligence reports indicated that a significant number of insurgents were eliminated during the confrontation.

Calls have grown louder for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen the capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces and security agencies to confront terrorism and other rising threats to national security.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Brigadier-General Nafiu Olakunle as the new Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Brigadier-General Nafiu Olakunle, a highly regarded artillery officer, hails from Ileogbo in the Aiyedire Local Government Area of Osun State.

With his vast military experience and leadership skills, he is expected to steer the NYSC towards greater achievements.

His appointment marks a new phase for the NYSC, a scheme established to foster national unity and youth development.

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has praised the Nigerian Army for its steadfast efforts in combating insecurity.

Governor Soludo gave the commendation during a visit by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Thomas Olatoye, and his team at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia.

According to a statement from Christian Aburime, Chief Press Secretary, the governor highlighted the army’s role in reclaiming eight local government areas previously overrun by non-state actors.

He noted that his administration is progressing to the next phase of security reforms with the recently enacted Homeland Security Laws.

“The security of the people is our utmost priority,” Governor Soludo stated. “We recognize the vital role of the military in maintaining peace and stability and deeply appreciate their dedication.”

The governor assured that Anambra State remains committed to collaborating with the Nigerian Army to enhance security measures and safeguard communities.

GOC 82 Division Commends Soludo’s Security Efforts

In his remarks, Major General Olatoye emphasized that his visit was an operational assessment to evaluate the division’s readiness and strategic security initiatives.

He praised Governor Soludo’s leadership in addressing security challenges.

“Our mission is to consolidate the existing peaceful environment,” the GOC stated. “We will work closely with Agunaechemba to ensure security in the state.”

Expressing confidence in the state government’s approach, he encouraged citizens to support ongoing security efforts.

He also stressed the importance of non-kinetic strategies—such as intelligence gathering and community engagement—in maintaining long-term peace.

Dignitaries and Military Officials in Attendance

The GOC was accompanied by top military officers, including:

Brigadier General Solomon Julius – Commander, 54 Signal Brigade

Colonel Adamu Muhammad – Commander, 302 Artillery Regiment General Support & Commander, Sector 5 Operation UDO KA

Other senior military officials

Also present were key Anambra State government officials:

Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu – Secretary to the State Government

Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi – Chief of Staff to the Governor

Barr. Joachin Anaeto – Principal Secretary to the Governor

Mr. Chinedu Nwoye – Chief of Protocol & Deputy Chief of Staff

Mr. Izuchukwu Okafor – Commissioner for Finance

The meeting reaffirmed the mutual commitment between the Anambra State Government and the Nigerian Army to sustain security and maintain peace across the state.