Nigerian Army thwarts ISWAP attacks in Borno,  soldiers, CJTF members killed

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that several soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed while repelling a coordinated assault by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on Mandaragirau in Borno State.

In a statement, Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North-East) (JTF), said troops successfully thwarted simultaneous terrorist attacks on Mandaragirau and Pulka late Saturday, inflicting heavy casualties on the insurgents.

According to Uba, ISWAP fighters launched a multi-pronged offensive on Mandaragirau’s Sector 2 positions using gun trucks and motorcycles. The army had anticipated the move and engaged the insurgents in a prolonged firefight.

“Troops had tactically emplaced combat teams that decisively engaged the terrorists,” Uba said. “The attack was successfully thwarted after a fierce exchange without any breach to the defence of the location. Regrettably, some gallant personnel and CJTF members paid the supreme price, while a few soldiers sustained injuries and were immediately evacuated by Air Components of OPHK and Nigerian Army Aviation platforms.”

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In a separate assault on Pulka’s Sector 1, a large group of suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters advanced from the Sambisa Forest axis. Troops overpowered the attackers, forcing them to retreat in disarray toward Sambisa.

Uba said no soldiers were killed in Pulka, and intelligence reports confirmed significant insurgent losses, including the death of Abou Aisha, a senior ISWAP commander.

The military high command commended the bravery, professionalism, and resilience of troops and CJTF members, viewing the failed assaults as a sign of insurgents’ growing desperation under sustained pressure from Operation Hadin Kai.

“These operations underscore the determination of our forces to protect communities in the north-east while imposing significant losses on insurgents,” Uba added.

The JTF reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining security in the region and continuing offensive operations against terrorist groups threatening civilian populations in Borno and neighbouring states.