Nigerian Military Repels ISWAP Attack in Borno, 60 Terrorists Killed
Nigerian joint task force troops successfully thwarted a coordinated infiltration attempt by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in northeastern Borno State on Tuesday evening, resulting in the death of at least 60 terrorists, military officials reported.
The assault targeted a Nigerian Army battalion position at Mallam Fatori in Abadam Local Government Area. According to an operational report, the terrorists launched the attack from the Duguri general area, approaching on foot and employing armed unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) against the Bravo Company frontage.
In response, the Joint Task Force (JTF), supported by air assets, rapidly engaged and neutralized the hostile drones. This counter-action forced the attacking column to retreat in disarray towards the Arege general area. Initial battlefield assessments confirmed that more than 60 terrorists were neutralized during the exchange. Four Nigerian soldiers sustained minor injuries and are receiving medical attention.
The military confirmed that intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations are continuing in the aftermath. Follow-up patrols have sighted six suspected terrorist groups moving in the vicinity of Arege, indicating potential regrouping attempts. A planned exploitation of the contested area aims to consolidate the tactical success and deter further aggression.
A video released by the JTF purported to show the aftermath of an airstrike on terrorist positions, which officials stated demonstrates the operational readiness and precision of the Northeast theatre command.
This confrontation underscores the persistent security challenges in the Lake Chad basin region. ISWAP, a splinter faction of Boko Haram, remains active in remote border areas of Borno, frequently targeting military outposts and communities. The JTF reiterated its commitment to protecting civilians and maintaining sustained pressure on terrorist networks across Borno and adjacent states.
Further exploitation missions are expected to dismantle residual threats and disrupt the logistics and command nodes used by extremist groups in the area.
