Borno is still a meat grinder, and the Nigerian Army keeps getting fed into it.
While official statements always sound like "we neutralized terrorists", reports coming out of late January 2026 paint a different picture, one where ISWAP isn’t just surviving, but actively hunting troops and hitting bases with increasing coordination.
At this point, we’re no longer fighting “ragtag insurgents.” We’re dealing with a disciplined force that operates like an organized army.
---
The Bloody Week (Late January Timeline)
Jan 28 – Damasak Ambush
Reports say an Army Major and his men were ambushed around Damasak.
Several soldiers were allegedly captured, and the most chilling part is this:
Some sources claimed ISWAP fighters were even answering the Major’s phone when the base tried reaching him.
---
Jan 29 – Sabon Gari Attack
Sabon Gari base reportedly came under heavy fire, including mortar bombardment.
There were also claims that armed drones were used during the assault, which, if true, shows just how far this insurgency has evolved.
Casualties were reported, including CJTF members.
---
Jan 30 – Damboa “Repelled Attack”
Another attack was reported around Damboa.
As usual, the wording is “repelled,” but reports suggest armored vehicles may have been destroyed, with some equipment burned or abandoned during the chaos.
---
The Bigger Problem: ISWAP Is Playing the Long Game
Unlike Shekau’s old Boko Haram faction (JAS), which was mostly chaos and slaughter, ISWAP operates differently.
They’re organized, strategic, and focused on building influence.
• They collect taxes
• control trade routes
• recruit systematically
• and absorb experienced fighters from older insurgent groups
At this stage, it’s no longer just “insurgency.”
It’s starting to look like a shadow government with better logistics than the people meant to stop them.
---
It’s Not Just Soldiers Being Lost… It’s Equipment Too
Another disturbing angle is the reported loss of military hardware.
Videos and reports from certain attacks (including areas around Warja village) allegedly show:
• burnt Hilux vehicles
• looted ammunition
• destroyed patrol trucks
When insurgents are better equipped than frontline troops, it raises one ugly question:
Where exactly is Nigeria’s massive “security budget” going?
---
Discussion
How is Nigeria still stuck in this loop after 10+ years and billions spent?
We’ve bought Super Tucanos, deployed Special Forces, and increased defense spending year after year… yet bases are still being overrun, and officers are still being captured.
So What’s The Real Issue?
• Poor leadership?
• corruption?
• weak intelligence?
• or a war that has become profitable for too many people?
Receipts
Here’s a detailed article about the incident.
[https://web.facebook.com/watch/?ref=saved&v=1174797957775896]
[https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025...soldiers-killed-in-attack-on-remote-army-base]
