Boko Haram Attacks Niger Army Base
Boko Haram fighters launched a surprise attack on the island of Karamga in Lake Chad. The island served as a military base for troops from Niger who were fighting against Boko Haram in an attempt to dismantle the group. Early in the morning on April 25th, 2015, the jihadists attacked the island while riding in motorized canoes. It is reported that the military suffered heavy losses.
Despite conducting a successful attack, Boko Haram did not take over the army base. Their lack of territory and alleged lack of resources, led officials to claim the terrorist group was weakening and almost completely destroyed. However, as this attack has revealed, Boko Haram still has the power and adaptability to launch large scale attacks.
Not only did the attack cause the Nigerian Army to suffer major losses, but it also indicated formal organization and strategy on the terrorists’ part. Using an amphibious raid was a strategic move providing the element of surprise and the ease of retreat. The island location also prevented the Niger army troops from bringing in reinforcements or being able to escape. According to reports by Reuters Boko Haram fighters remained on the island as of early this morning, even as Niger forces launched a counter-offensive.
Boko Haram, which has recently joined Islamic State, and has begun to refer to itself as West Africa Province, has conducted similar attacks before such as one in their attempt to recapture key cities such as Maiduguri. Earlier in 2015, Boko Haram had a large campaign to overrun several cities and towns such as Gamboru and Fotokol. However, attacking an island and using the water as a strategy is a new tactic.
The raid on Karamga should dismiss the idea that Boko Haram is out of resources and weakening. It is important to remember that a loss of territory is not always synonymous with a loss in capability, and coalition forces have a long way to go before they Boko Haram can be counted out.
