Nigerian troops have repelled a multi-directional night attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on a Special Forces base in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, with the military saying more than 25 terrorists were killed in the clash.
Key Highlights
- Nigerian troops repelled a multi-directional ISWAP attack in Kukawa, Borno State.
- The military said more than 25 terrorists were neutralised.
- At least 14 militant bodies were recovered, according to the Army.
- Six AK-47 rifles and other ammunition were recovered after the attack.
- The Army confirmed that some soldiers were killed but did not release an official figure.
- A senior officer cited by the Associated Press reportedly put the military death toll at at least 10, a figure not officially confirmed by the Army.
ISWAP Attacks Special Forces Base in Kukawa
The attack occurred on Tuesday night, October 6, 2026, when ISWAP fighters targeted the 101 Special Forces Battalion in Kukawa Local Government Area, near the Lake Chad region.
Captain Mohammed Goni, acting military information officer for Operation Hadin Kai, said the terrorists launched the assault from four different directions.
According to him, Nigerian troops responded with ground fire supported by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai, eventually breaking the attack and forcing surviving fighters to withdraw.
Army Says Over 25 Terrorists Were Killed
Goni said preliminary assessments showed that more than 25 terrorists had been neutralised during the confrontation.
“Preliminary assessment indicates that over 25 terrorists were neutralised, with 14 bodies recovered so far,” he said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Troops also recovered six AK-47 rifles and ammunition during follow-up operations.
The Army said troops were continuing to search the area to recover additional weapons and prevent fleeing ISWAP fighters from regrouping.
The Theatre Commander, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, confirmed that the base had come under attack and said the assailants were forced to withdraw after suffering heavy casualties.
Nigerian Army Confirms Soldier Deaths
While the military confirmed that soldiers were killed during the attack, it did not provide an official number.
The Army described the casualties as troops who “paid the supreme sacrifice” and expressed condolences to their families.
However, reports citing different military and security sources gave varying accounts of the number of Nigerian personnel killed.
The Associated Press, citing a senior military officer, reported that at least 10 soldiers were killed. The Nigerian Army has not independently confirmed that figure.
Reuters, citing military sources and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force, also reported that Nigerian troops suffered casualties and that more than three CJTF members were killed.
Army Continues Search for Fleeing Fighters
The Nigerian Army said operations were continuing in the area following the attack.
According to the military, patrols, surveillance and coordinated ground and air operations would be sustained to prevent the insurgents from regrouping or launching another attack on the position.
Security sources cited by The Guild said the exchange of gunfire lasted from approximately 9:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., while Punch reported that the attack began at about 10:00 p.m.
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Kukawa Remains Key ISWAP Operating Area
Kukawa is located along the Lake Chad axis, an area that has long been associated with ISWAP cross-border movements and attacks on military positions.
The group remains one of the major armed groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East and has continued to target military bases and other security positions despite sustained counter-insurgency operations by Nigerian forces.
The latest attack comes amid continued security concerns across parts of northern Nigeria, with insurgency in the North-East remaining a major challenge for security agencies.
Operation Hadin Kai Sustains Counter-Insurgency Operations
The Nigerian military has continued to deploy ground troops and air assets under Operation Hadin Kai to disrupt terrorist operations and protect communities and military formations across the North-East.
The Kukawa attack highlights the continued threat posed by ISWAP to isolated military positions around the Lake Chad region, even as the military maintains pressure on insurgent formations.
Further details on the casualties and the outcome of ongoing clearance operations are expected as the Nigerian Army continues its assessment of the battlefield.
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