Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled an attempted attack by fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Wulgo, Borno State, neutralizing at least seven insurgents, including two of the group’s notorious commanders.
Security sources confirmed that the slain commanders were identified as Abu Nazir, the Munzir of Juye, and Abu Fatima, the Munzir of Koloram. The Munzir is regarded as a local commander overseeing operations in specific territories. Several other ISWAP fighters were said to have sustained gunshot wounds during the fierce exchange of fire.
The encounter, which took place late Wednesday night, was made public on Thursday by counter-insurgency expert and security analyst, Zagazola Makama, through a post on his official X handle.
According to reports, the insurgents stormed Wulgo heavily armed in an attempt to launch a surprise attack on military positions. However, they were swiftly engaged in a gun battle by alert troops who overpowered them and inflicted heavy casualties.
During the operation, troops recovered four motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing terrorists, while an armoured military vehicle (MRAP) was set ablaze by the insurgents before they retreated.
“The terrorists came heavily armed but were decisively engaged. We inflicted heavy casualties on them, including two of their senior commanders,” a military source told newsmen.
The attack marks yet another setback for ISWAP, which has suffered repeated blows in recent months due to intensified counter-terrorism operations by Nigerian forces across the North-East. Security experts believe that the killing of the two commanders will further weaken the group’s operational capacity in the region.
Residents in nearby communities have expressed relief over the swift response of the military, noting that the insurgents’ activities have disrupted farming and trade in the area. Troops have since launched further patrols to prevent a possible reprisal attack.
The Nigerian Army has reiterated its resolve to sustain aggressive operations until terrorism and insurgency are fully defeated in the North-East.
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