Suspected Islamic State-linked fighters killed 15 soldiers and five members of a civilian security group during an attack on a military base in Mairari village, northeastern Nigeria, defense and local sources told AFP on Wednesday, October 14.

The attackers stormed the base in Borno state overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday, looted weapons and set the facility and several vehicles on fire, according to the sources.

A Nigerian military officer said the attack forced troops to withdraw towards the garrison town of Monguno, about 18 kilometers away. Several soldiers were also reported missing, raising fears they may have been captured.

A Mairari resident, Grema Butari, said the fighters launched the assault around 2200 GMT and remained at the base until daybreak after a prolonged battle.

Another resident, Ahmad Sherif, confirmed the destruction of the military facility. The attackers were believed to have come from a base in neighboring Guzamala district.