‘Several terrorists killed’ as troops repel ISWAP attack on Borno community

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai, with support from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), have repelled an attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on Rann, Kala-Balge LGA of Borno state.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the attack began at about 11:00 pm on Thursday and lasted for about three hours.

The publication said the troops held their ground and engaged the insurgents in a fierce gunfight, forcing them to retreat.

“The attack, which commenced at about 2300hrs on Thursday, was met with immediate and sustained resistance from ground troops, triggering an intense firefight that lasted until approximately 0200hrs,” the report reads.

“The gallant soldiers held their positions, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy.

“As the surviving terrorists attempted to withdraw from the engagement area, the Air Component swiftly executed precision air strikes on the retreating elements.

“In a decisive display of firepower and joint operational efficiency, the strikes neutralised several more insurgents.”

The coordinated ground and air assault reportedly led to the death of at least seven insurgents, with clearance operations ongoing to determine the full extent of the ISWAP loss.

The attack comes months after troops repelled a similar assault in Damboa LGA of Borno, killing 16 ISWAP fighters during a gun duel backed by air strikes.

Also in July, troops killed 24 Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents during operations across Borno and Adamawa states. The operations, conducted between July 4 and 9, included ambushes, patrols, and air raids, with support from local security groups.