November 11, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised nine members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in a sustained clearance operation in Borno State.
The operation, according to military sources, was part of an intensified onslaught aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves across the North-East region. It was conducted by troops of Operation Hadin Kai in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
Reports indicate that the troops launched a coordinated offensive on Thursday in the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin and parts of the Sambisa Forest, which have long served as strongholds for the insurgents.
During the encounter, the soldiers engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun duel, killing nine ISWAP fighters, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds. A cache of weapons and logistics items, including AK-47 rifles, ammunition, motorcycles, and communication devices, were recovered from the scene.
The military, in a statement, reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating all forms of terrorism in the region, noting that recent operations have significantly weakened the operational capacity of ISWAP and Boko Haram remnants.
Security analysts believe the sustained offensive and improved intelligence sharing between the armed forces and local communities are yielding tangible results in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign.
Residents of affected communities in Borno have also expressed relief over the military’s efforts, urging continued presence and patrols to prevent the regrouping of fleeing insurgents.
