Nigerian troops have repelled a coordinated attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on a military base in Kukawa, Borno State.
The attack occurred on Tuesday night when the terrorists launched an assault on the position operated by the Nigerian Army’s 101 Special Forces Battalion.
Security sources said the attackers advanced from four directions at about 9:00 p.m., triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire that lasted until around 11:30 p.m.
The troops, supported by the air component, resisted the attackers and eventually forced them to retreat after several hours of fighting.
More than 25 ISWAP fighters were reportedly neutralised, while 14 bodies were recovered from the battlefield.
Troops also recovered weapons and ammunition abandoned by the fleeing terrorists, including six AK-47 rifles.
The Nigerian military, however, also suffered casualties, with some soldiers reportedly killed and others wounded during the engagement.
Following the attack, the Brigade Commander moved to the area to coordinate further operations, including the strengthening of the defensive position and replenishment of personnel and equipment.
The Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, confirmed the attack and said the terrorists were defeated.
“Yes, some terrorists attacked our base in Kukawa, but they were defeated. They suffered heavy casualties,” Ajose said.
The latest assault highlights the continuing security threat posed by ISWAP and other insurgent groups in Borno and the wider Lake Chad region.
Military authorities are expected to continue intelligence gathering and battlefield exploitation while strengthening security around the Kukawa axis.
