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By Fatima Mukhtar
Nigerian troops have successfully repelled a series of coordinated attacks launched by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on several communities and military formations across Borno and Yobe States.
The simultaneous assaults, which occurred between midnight and 4:00 a.m. on Thursday, targeted towns including Dikwa, Mafa, Gajibo in Borno State, and Katarko in Yobe State. According to military sources, the insurgents stormed the areas from multiple directions, attempting to overrun military positions and loot weapons.
Troops under the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) engaged the attackers in a fierce battle, killing over 50 terrorists and recovering a large cache of weapons. Items recovered include 38 AK-47 rifles, seven PKT machine guns, five RPG launchers, two GPMGs, hand grenades and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
In Mafa, insurgents reportedly attacked a checkpoint and attempted to seize a barracks before being neutralised by ground troops supported by airstrikes from the Nigerian Air Force. Similar confrontations were recorded in Dikwa and Gajibo, where soldiers successfully repelled the coordinated raids.
Security sources said the insurgents used motorcycles, trucks and drones to monitor troop movements — a tactic analysts believe reflects renewed coordination between Boko Haram and ISWAP elements operating along the Nigeria–Cameroon border.
Although official casualty figures for troops and civilians are yet to be released, eyewitnesses in Mafa reported that several buildings and vehicles were destroyed during the gun battle. The military says pursuit operations are ongoing to track fleeing insurgents who escaped with injuries.
The Defence Headquarters commended the gallantry of the troops and reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace in the North East. It also urged residents of affected communities to remain vigilant and provide timely intelligence to security agencies.
The renewed offensive by Boko Haram and ISWAP underscores the continuing security challenge in the region, even as the military maintains gains made in recent months.
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