Nigerian Military Repels ISWAP Attack, Neutralises 25 Terrorists in Borno

Nigerian Military Repels ISWAP Attack, Neutralises 25 Terrorists in Borno

Nigerian troops have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against insurgency after killing a top Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander, Abu Umar Bundi Munzir, alongside 24 other terrorists, while also capturing one fighter alive during a failed attack in Borno State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday when ISWAP fighters launched a coordinated assault on Kukareta community shortly after midnight, attempting to overrun the area. Troops of Operation HADIN KAI quickly responded, engaging the attackers in a sustained counter-offensive that lasted several hours until about 3:00 a.m., successfully repelling the assault and forcing the insurgents into retreat.

The Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, confirmed that the terrorist commander Abu Umar Bundi Munzir was among those killed during the intense firefight. He also stated that 24 other insurgents were neutralised, bringing the total number of terrorists killed in the operation to 25, while one fighter was captured alive and is currently in custody for interrogation.

Military authorities said the captured suspect is being questioned to provide intelligence on ISWAP operations, including logistics networks, recruitment structures, and possible hideouts used by the group across the region.

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Following the operation, troops conducted a battlefield exploitation exercise, which led to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons and ammunition used by the terrorists during the failed attack. The recovered items include 18 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), two PKT anti-aircraft guns, three RPG tubes, two mortar tubes, four hand grenades, 18 AK-47 magazines, and large quantities of 7.62mm ammunition.

Military sources also confirmed that two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter but have since been stabilised and are receiving medical treatment. An armoured reinforcement vehicle was also damaged after its tyres were hit during the exchange of fire.

Maj.-Gen. Abubakar further stated that troops are continuing clearance and exploitation operations to track fleeing insurgents, recover abandoned equipment, and locate bodies along withdrawal routes reportedly marked by blood trails and medical supplies.

He described the operation as a major success in ongoing counter-insurgency efforts, adding that sustained military pressure will continue to deny terrorist groups freedom of action in the North-East theatre. Security officials say operations will remain active across vulnerable communities to prevent regrouping and further attacks.

Nigerian Military Repels ISWAP Attack, Neutralises 25 Terrorists in Borno