Militants affiliated with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have attacked a military base in Borno State, killing an unconfirmed number of soldiers, including a Major identified as U.I. Mairiga, military sources said.

The assault occurred Sunday morning at the Forward Operating Base at Banki Junction along the Bama–Gwaza Road. Sources said the attackers opened fire sporadically and stormed the facility in multiple groups, making their numbers difficult to determine.

An internal source said the attack happened around 4:00 a.m., adding that several soldiers were killed while others fled into nearby bushes. The bodies of the fallen personnel were reportedly being transferred to the 7 Division Military Hospital in Maiduguri.

The incident is the latest in a series of attacks targeting security formations in Borno. In recent weeks, militants reportedly overran another military base in Jakana, Kaga Local Government Area, burning armoured vehicles and seizing ammunition.

In a separate ambush in late January, seven military personnel — including a newly promoted Lieutenant Colonel — were killed when insurgents attacked a troop movement from Maiduguri to Damasak in Mobbar Local Government Area. Sources said the attackers used explosives and heavy gunfire, leaving several others injured and some personnel missing.

Security analysts say the attacks reflect ongoing activity by ISWAP, which has expanded its presence around the Lake Chad region following the death of former Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau. The group has reportedly absorbed defectors from rival factions, strengthening its operational capacity.

Military authorities have not yet issued an official casualty figure or statement on the latest attack as operations continue in the affected area.