Nigerian Troops Neutralise ISWAP Fighters Following Deadly Ambush in Borno
A series of fierce encounters in the Lake Chad Basin has highlighted the volatile security situation in Borno State this week. On Tuesday, reports emerged of a devastating ambush by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists targeting a military patrol near Damask. The insurgents utilized a combination of pre-planted explosives and sustained gunfire to attack a column of approximately 30 soldiers. Tragically, nine soldiers lost their lives in the encounter, while several others, including a senior commander, remain missing.
However, the Nigerian military has responded with decisive force to restore order in the region. Troops engaged in Operation Hadin Kai launched a robust counter-offensive, successfully neutralising several ISWAP fighters. This retaliatory action occurred during an aggressive clearance operation designed to dismantle insurgent hideouts. Consequently, the military has intensified ground and air patrols across the North-East to track the fleeing remnants of the group.
The recent violence reflects an evolving tactical landscape where insurgents increasingly employ lightning assaults and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Military sources confirm that reinforcements have been deployed to the Damask axis to prevent further incursions. Despite the initial setbacks, the morale of the troops remains high as they continue to squeeze the operational space of the terrorists. Security experts suggest that these targeted military strikes are essential for degrading the group’s capacity to launch coordinated attacks.
Furthermore, the conflict is complicated by ongoing “turf wars” between rival jihadist factions. Reports indicate that ISWAP and Boko Haram have engaged in deadly clashes over control of the Lake Chad islands recently. The Nigerian Air Force has capitalised on these internal rifts by conducting strategic airstrikes on identified terrorist clusters. These interventions aim to secure vital supply routes and protect vulnerable civilian populations in the border regions.
Authorities have urged residents of the affected communities to cooperate fully with security personnel during this heightened period of operations. The military leadership reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property in the North-East. By maintaining a constant presence in previously ungoverned spaces, the Army hopes to achieve long-term stability. The nation remains in mourning for the fallen heroes but stands resolute in the fight against terror.