Nigerian troops have killed 61 fighters linked to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during coordinated operations in Borno State, marking one of the most significant recent blows against insurgents in the northeast.
Military authorities said the operation targeted multiple enclaves of the terrorist group, with troops engaging the fighters in intense gun battles across strategic locations. The offensive forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle insurgent networks and restore stability in the region.
According to officials, the troops also recovered weapons and ammunition during the raids, further weakening the operational capacity of the group. The military maintained that the sustained pressure on ISWAP is yielding results, with several hideouts destroyed in the process.
Borno State has remained a hotspot of insurgency for years, with ISWAP and other extremist factions carrying out attacks on communities and security forces. However, recent operations suggest a renewed push by the military to reclaim territory and disrupt the group’s activities.
Security analysts say the latest success could boost morale among troops and signal progress in the counterinsurgency campaign. Still, they warn that insurgents may attempt retaliatory attacks, underscoring the need for continued vigilance.
The military has reiterated its commitment to sustaining the offensive until insurgents are decisively neutralised.
