Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), one of the main jihadist factions operating in northeastern Nigeria, has reportedly acknowledged the loss of 23 of its fighters following a fierce confrontation with Nigerian troops during an ongoing counter-insurgency operation in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno State. The development emerged through intercepted communications among members of the insurgent group, which confirmed the casualties suffered during the clash with government forces.
According to intelligence sources familiar with the operation, the incident occurred during an intensified military offensive carried out by Nigerian Special Forces under the ongoing Operation Hadin Kai campaign. Troops reportedly conducted sustained clearance operations across sections of the Sambisa Forest over the course of about a week, targeting suspected hideouts and operational bases used by ISWAP militants in the area.
Security sources indicated that an intercepted message sent by an ISWAP associate to another contact within the group confirmed that at least 23 fighters had been killed during the encounter with Nigerian troops. The message reportedly detailed how the insurgent group suffered significant losses as soldiers continued offensive operations across the forest, disrupting their camps and logistics networks.
During the course of the military operation, troops reportedly destroyed several structures and facilities used by the insurgents. Intelligence sources said one of the settlements targeted was a location identified as Allafawa, believed to have been used by militants as a base of operations. The settlement was reportedly razed as part of efforts by troops to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and deny insurgents the ability to regroup.
Despite the casualties inflicted on the group, security officials warned that some insurgent fighters are still believed to be hiding within remote parts of the forest. Nigerian troops deployed in the theatre of operations have therefore continued aggressive patrols and intelligence-driven assaults aimed at tracking fleeing militants and dismantling remaining strongholds within the Sambisa axis.
The clash forms part of a broader military campaign aimed at weakening terrorist networks responsible for attacks on communities and military installations across Nigeria’s northeastern region. Sambisa Forest, a vast and difficult terrain covering large portions of Borno State, has historically served as a strategic stronghold for insurgent groups linked to the Boko Haram insurgency. The dense forest landscape has allowed militant factions to establish camps, training grounds and logistics bases beyond the immediate reach of security forces.
Over the years, Nigerian forces have repeatedly launched offensives into the forest in an attempt to dismantle insurgent infrastructure and restore government control over areas that once served as operational headquarters for Boko Haram and its splinter factions. The forest also played a major role in the insurgency’s history, including internal battles among jihadist factions that reshaped the structure of extremist groups in the region.
Military operations in the northeast have intensified in recent months as security forces seek to prevent renewed terrorist attacks on civilian communities and military positions. Intelligence-led raids, aerial bombardments and ground offensives have targeted militant camps across Sambisa Forest, the Mandara Mountains and the so-called Timbuktu Triangle, areas frequently used by insurgents as operational bases.
In a related development, troops deployed under Sector 3 of Operation Hadin Kai recently repelled an attempted attack by ISWAP fighters on a military base in Doron Baga, located in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. The assault reportedly triggered a fierce gun battle before the insurgents were forced to retreat after encountering strong resistance from the soldiers defending the base.
Security analysts say the continued pressure from Nigerian troops has forced insurgent groups to adopt more mobile tactics, including ambushes and surprise raids, rather than maintaining large permanent camps. However, the ability of militants to exploit remote terrain and porous borders around the Lake Chad Basin continues to complicate counter-insurgency efforts.
The Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2009, has evolved into a complex conflict involving multiple extremist factions, including ISWAP and remnants of the original Boko Haram group. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives, displaced millions of people and devastated communities across northeastern Nigeria and neighbouring countries around the Lake Chad region.
Military authorities have reiterated their commitment to sustaining offensive operations until insurgent groups lose their operational capability. Security officials have also urged residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence that could help track the movements of militants.
As operations continue in Sambisa Forest and surrounding regions, Nigerian forces say they remain focused on maintaining pressure on terrorist networks and preventing them from regrouping or launching further attacks on civilian communities.
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