Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Maiduguri, Nigeria — Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a series of coordinated assaults launched by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province across multiple locations in Borno State, in what security analysts describe as part of a renewed wave of insurgent offensives targeting military formations in the North-East. The operations, which unfolded over several days, involved intense gun battles, strategic counterattacks, and the recovery of significant quantities of weapons and military equipment abandoned by fleeing insurgents.
According to military and security sources, the attacks were highly coordinated, with ISWAP fighters attempting to overrun army positions in different locations almost simultaneously. The assaults were reportedly carried out at night, a tactic frequently employed by insurgents to exploit reduced visibility and the element of surprise. Troops, however, mounted strong resistance, engaging the attackers with sustained firepower and forcing them to retreat after prolonged exchanges.
Operational reports indicate that several insurgents were neutralised during the confrontations, although exact casualty figures remain fluid due to ongoing mop-up operations. In at least one instance, troops were said to have repelled attacks on multiple formations without losing ground, highlighting improved defensive coordination and readiness among military units deployed in the theatre.
Following the engagements, soldiers conducted clearance operations in surrounding areas, leading to the recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition. Items reportedly seized include assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, ammunition belts, and improvised explosive device materials. Military officials noted that such recoveries are critical not only in weakening insurgent capacity but also in providing intelligence on the group’s logistics, supply chains, and operational planning.
The latest clashes form part of a broader escalation in insurgent activity across Borno State, where both ISWAP and Boko Haram factions have intensified attacks in recent weeks. Security experts say the pattern reflects a strategic shift by insurgents toward targeting military installations in an effort to capture weapons, undermine troop morale, and reassert territorial influence. This trend has been evident in multiple incidents earlier in March, including deadly raids on army bases that resulted in casualties among security personnel.
The situation has been further complicated by a series of deadly attacks on civilian areas in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, which coincided with ongoing military engagements on the city’s outskirts. Multiple explosions and suspected suicide bombings recently struck key locations, including markets and medical facilities, killing dozens and injuring many more. Authorities believe these attacks may have been coordinated with insurgent assaults on military positions, possibly as diversionary tactics.
Eyewitness accounts from affected communities described scenes of panic as heavy gunfire and explosions echoed through the night. Residents reported fleeing to safer areas or remaining indoors while the clashes persisted. In rural communities, such attacks often trigger temporary displacement, as civilians seek refuge in more secure towns or internally displaced persons camps. Despite these disruptions, many locals expressed relief that military forces were able to prevent insurgents from overrunning key positions, a scenario that could have resulted in wider civilian casualties.
Military authorities attributed the success of the defensive operations to enhanced intelligence gathering, improved surveillance capabilities, and better coordination among units. Sources indicated that prior warnings of impending attacks allowed troops to fortify positions and deploy reinforcements in anticipation of the assaults. Analysts say such proactive measures are increasingly critical as insurgent groups adopt more sophisticated tactics, including coordinated multi-front offensives.
The resurgence of ISWAP activity has raised fresh concerns about the durability of security gains recorded in recent years. While Nigerian forces have successfully dismantled several insurgent enclaves and disrupted supply routes, the persistence of attacks underscores the adaptability of extremist groups operating in the Lake Chad region. The insurgency, which has lasted over a decade, continues to evolve, with factions competing for dominance and refining their strategies.
Borno State remains the epicentre of the conflict, with its vast terrain, porous borders, and proximity to neighbouring countries creating a complex operational environment for security forces. The conflict has displaced millions of people and strained humanitarian resources, even as government and international partners work to stabilise affected communities. Efforts to rebuild infrastructure and facilitate the return of displaced populations have often been hampered by recurring insecurity.
In response to the latest developments, military authorities have reassured the public of their commitment to sustaining pressure on insurgent groups. Additional patrols, aerial surveillance, and intelligence-driven operations have reportedly been intensified across strategic locations to prevent further incursions. Troops have also been tasked with pursuing retreating fighters into hideouts, particularly in forested and border regions where insurgents are known to regroup.
Security analysts emphasise that while battlefield successes such as the repulsion of attacks and recovery of weapons are significant, long-term stability will depend on a combination of military, political, and socio-economic measures. Addressing the root causes of insurgency, including poverty, unemployment, and governance challenges, is widely seen as essential to preventing recruitment into extremist groups and sustaining peace in the region.
For now, the successful defence of military positions in Borno offers a measure of reassurance amid a volatile security climate. However, the frequency and scale of recent attacks highlight the continuing threat posed by ISWAP and allied groups, reinforcing the need for sustained vigilance and coordinated action. As operations continue, the Nigerian Army’s ability to maintain momentum and adapt to evolving threats will remain central to efforts aimed at restoring lasting stability in the North-East.
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