Nigerian Troops Repel Four-Front ISWAP Attack in Borno, Neutralise 25 Terrorists

Army personnel from the 101 Special Forces Battalion stationed in Kukawa, Borno State, turned back a significant assault by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters who sought to seize the military base in a four-pronged operation. The disclosure came from Captain Mohammed Goni, who is serving as Acting Military Information Officer for Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, in a statement released Wednesday, October 7, 2026. The statement said the assault took place Tuesday night, roughly between 9:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., when a large group of terrorists carried out a coordinated strike on the troops' position. Backed by the Air Component, the soldiers mounted a strong defence and ultimately overcame the attackers following an extended firefight. The terrorists sustained significant losses. More than 25 fighters were neutralised, and troops had retrieved 14 bodies from the scene so far. A substantial quantity of weapons and ammunition was also seized from the retreating militants, among them six AK-47 rifles. The military also recorded losses in the intense battle, with some soldiers killed and others wounded. In the statement, the military said Operation HADIN KAI troops had defeated a coordinated, multi-directional ISWAP assault in Kukawa, Borno State, neutralising more than 25 terrorists and recovering arms and ammunition during a fierce counter-offensive. It said the attackers, who struck the 101 Special Forces Battalion in large numbers from four flanks, encountered strong resistance as the troops replied with superior firepower, tactical movement and effective battlefield coordination. With support from the Air Component, the statement added, the troops overpowered the terrorists, caused heavy casualties and forced those who survived to scatter. A preliminary assessment indicated that more than 25 terrorists were neutralised and 14 bodies had been recovered up to that point. While clearing the area, troops found a stockpile of arms and ammunition, including six AK-47 rifles. More exploitation was underway to find additional weapons, pursue the fleeing terrorists and stop them from regrouping. The statement noted with regret that some brave soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice in the encounter. The Nigerian Army expressed its deep condolences to the families of the fallen personnel and said it stood with them during the difficult period. It said their bravery, sacrifice and commitment to duty would remain a lasting proof of their service to the country, and wished their souls eternal rest. According to the military, the decisive defeat of the attack highlighted the combat readiness, resilience and fighting capability of Nigerian Army troops in the North East Theatre. It also reflected the increasing value of air-ground cooperation and joint operations in disrupting terrorist activities and denying them room to operate. The Nigerian Army, the statement said, remains resolute in maintaining operational pressure on terrorists and other criminal elements. Troops would continue to carry out aggressive patrols, intelligence-driven operations and coordinated offensives alongside sister Services and other security agencies to dismantle terrorist networks, protect communities and safeguard the nation.