Two soldiers and a nine-year-old boy lost their lives during coordinated attacks by insurgents on military and police installations in Banki, located in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attacks, which began at approximately 10:15 p.m. on Thursday night, were directed at multiple security positions, including the Bula Yobe Forward Operating Base, the 152 Battalion, and the divisional police headquarters in Banki.
According to reports from counter-insurgency platform Zagazola Makama, the attackers also torched three military vehicles during the assault.
Troops under heavy gunfire reportedly called for aerial support. In response, two A-29 Super Tucano fighter jets were deployed and carried out targeted strikes on the retreating insurgents, following real-time intelligence and surveillance guidance.
The air raids resulted in the deaths of no fewer than 32 insurgents linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province.
The bodies of the two slain soldiers were transported to Maiduguri, while the remains of the young victim, identified as Ismail Abubakar, were returned to his family for burial.
Zagazola Makama further reported that reinforcements have been sent to Banki and nearby areas to bolster security and prevent any further attacks.
