Army Kills 38 ISWAP Terrorists in Borno, Recovers Weapons in Fierce Battle

The phrase army kills 38 ISWAP terrorists in Borno has once again underscored Nigeria’s relentless war against insurgency, as troops recorded a major battlefield victory in the North-East.

Troops of the Joint Task Force under Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled a coordinated attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on a military base in Borno State, killing at least 38 terrorists in a fierce gun battle. (Punch Newspapers)

The encounter reportedly took place at a Forward Operating Base in Mandaragirau, where the insurgents attempted to overrun military positions. However, Nigerian troops responded with superior firepower, foiling the assault and neutralising dozens of the attackers. (Punch Newspapers)

Beyond the casualties inflicted on the insurgents, the military also recovered a cache of weapons and equipment from the fleeing terrorists, dealing another blow to ISWAP’s operational capacity in the region. (Punch Newspapers)

This latest success comes amid a surge in violent attacks across Borno State, widely regarded as the epicentre of Nigeria’s long-running insurgency. Over the past weeks, ISWAP and Boko Haram fighters have intensified assaults on both civilian communities and military formations, often deploying advanced tactics including drones and coordinated night raids. (Anadolu Ajansı)

The battle highlights a troubling pattern: while the Nigerian military continues to record tactical victories, insurgents remain capable of launching bold and frequent attacks. Earlier in March, troops reportedly killed over 60 fighters in a similar confrontation, demonstrating both the scale of the threat and the intensity of ongoing operations. (Anadolu Ajansı)

Borno State has been at the heart of the insurgency since 2009, with extremist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP waging a prolonged campaign of violence that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions. (Wikipedia)

Recent developments suggest that insurgents are adapting their strategies. From suicide bombings in urban centres like Maiduguri to direct assaults on military bases, these groups are evolving in ways that continue to challenge security forces. (Wikipedia)

Despite these challenges, the Nigerian military insists it is making steady progress. The success at Mandaragirau is being viewed as a significant morale boost, especially following earlier attacks that resulted in casualties among security personnel. Analysts say such victories are critical in disrupting terrorist networks, degrading their firepower, and preventing territorial expansion.

However, experts also warn that tactical wins must be backed by sustained intelligence, regional cooperation, and community engagement to achieve long-term stability. The porous borders around the Lake Chad Basin continue to provide insurgents with escape routes and opportunities to regroup.

For residents of Borno and surrounding states, the reality remains tense. While military operations have prevented several large-scale attacks, the persistent threat of insurgency means that normal life is still far from fully restored.

As Nigeria continues its fight against terrorism, the latest development sends a clear message: security forces are striking back—but the battle is far from over.

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