Four Soldiers Killed as ISWAP Launches Deadly Assault on Army Brigade in Yobe State

In a renewed wave of violence sweeping through Nigeria’s Northeast, at least four Nigerian soldiers have been confirmed dead following a deadly ambush by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants on the 27 Task Force Brigade of the Nigerian Army. The attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday, May 3, 2025, in Buni Yadi, located in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The military high command, via official social media channels, acknowledged the attack and confirmed an intense gunfire exchange with the insurgents. However, at the time of filing this report, no further operational details had been released by the Defence Headquarters, leaving many questions unanswered as residents and officials process the aftermath of the deadly raid.

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Persistent Peril: The Price of Security in Buni Yadi

The focus keyword in this tragic development is “Peril,” as the growing threat of insurgency once again endangers both military personnel and civilians in the conflict-prone region.

The surprise assault was launched around 2:00 AM, according to a security operative who survived the attack. In his account to Daily Trust, the soldier described how suspected Boko Haram fighters — linked to the ISWAP faction — used explosives to launch a sudden, coordinated strike on the military installation. Several operational vehicles and equipment were reportedly destroyed in the explosion, and four soldiers lost their lives in the process.

“We were taken off guard by the heavy explosion and gunfire, but we stood our ground,” the source stated. “A lot of our fighting equipment were destroyed during the encounter.”

Although the insurgents also suffered casualties, the toll on Nigerian troops and resources underscores the dangerous and volatile nature of security operations in the Northeast. The attack is not only a blow to the military’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts but also a glaring reminder of the increasing boldness and tactical sophistication of insurgent groups operating in the region.

Timing of the Attack Raises Strategic Concerns

What adds a layer of concern to the attack is its timing. The assault took place barely 24 hours after the North East Governors’ Forum met in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, to deliberate on a multidimensional approach to combat insurgency and restore peace to the region. The gathering included regional leaders and security experts determined to curb the growing violence.

This brazen attack appears to be a direct challenge to those efforts and may be interpreted by analysts as an attempt by ISWAP to undermine state authority and demonstrate their operational capabilities even amid increased regional collaboration.

Buni Yadi, the site of the attack, is not only 65 kilometres from Damaturu but also the hometown of Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni. The symbolic and strategic weight of this attack cannot be overstated, as it represents a calculated assault near the seat of power in the state.

Civilians Displaced, Roads Closed Amid Escalating Fear

As soldiers engaged in gunfire with insurgents, civilians bore the brunt of the chaos. A local resident reported that many people fled their homes during the attack, seeking refuge at the local council headquarters and surrounding areas deemed safer. The Nigerian military responded by shutting down vehicular movement along the critical highway linking Yobe to Biu and southern Borno, effectively paralyzing a major transportation route in the region.

This attack follows a pattern of recent violence in Buni Yadi. Only two weeks earlier, Boko Haram insurgents launched an offensive in the Chalie area, killing three soldiers. The escalating frequency of these incidents has forced residents to flee, destabilized communities, and placed enormous pressure on local security infrastructure.

In Borno State, neighbouring Yobe, attacks have also intensified. Areas like Sabon Gari, Wajiroko, and Wulgo have seen repeated assaults, with insurgents targeting military bases and seizing weapons. The insecurity has prompted leaders including Borno Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, Shehu of Borno, and Senator Ali Ndume to call for immediate federal intervention to prevent further deterioration.

A Call for Action

With soldiers losing their lives and communities under siege, the need for a robust, well-coordinated federal response becomes increasingly urgent. The Nigerian government, in collaboration with regional stakeholders, must reassess current strategies and boost both intelligence and combat readiness.

As the region mourns the loss of brave soldiers, their sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the perilous battle Nigeria continues to fight against terrorism. The bloodshed in Buni Yadi calls not just for remembrance, but for swift and decisive action to ensure such tragedies do not repeat.