Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, said the terrorists invaded the facility at about 1am on Wednesday.

The publication, quoting intelligence sources, said the terrorists attempted to sabotage some swamp buggys recently procured by the state to aid waterways clearance in the Lake Chad region.

In a statement, the Nigerian Army said it engaged the insurgents in a gun duel for two hours.

“In a well-coordinated joint land, maritime and air operations, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralized scores of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists that attempted to infiltrate the Naval Base Lake Chad in Fish Dam during the early hours of today,” the army .

“The terrorists commenced their infiltration attack at about 2 AM to destroy the newly acquired Swamp Boggeys by the Borno State Government for waterways clearance in the Lake Chad but was fiercely resisted by personnel of the Naval Base Lake Chad with reinforcement from Baga in a firefight that lasted for over 2 hours before the terrorists retreated having failed to gain access to the Swamp Boggeys while scores were neutralized and IED materials recovered.

“Minimal incursion was made leading to the destruction of an ambulance and 2 other vehicles while some personnel were wounded in action.

“The air component platforms are currently conducting follow on pursuit exploitation on the water ways to further decimate the terrorists.”