The Nigerian military has reported a significant victory against terrorist groups in the country's northeast. According to Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Media Information Officer for Operation HADIN KAI, troops killed 48 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists while repelling coordinated attacks on military positions in Borno and Yobe states. The engagements occurred between October 29 and 30, 2026.
The first attack took place in Bitta, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, where troops disrupted a terrorist assault on the night of October 29. With support from air assets, ground forces overwhelmed the attackers, inflicting heavy casualties and forcing them to abandon their plan. This successful defense was a significant blow to the terrorists, who had hoped to catch the military off guard.
A second, more intense battle took place at the North East Theatre Training School (NETTS) in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State. A large group of ISWAP fighters struck the school from the evening of October 29 into the early hours of October 30. The roughly five-hour battle involved coordinated use of intelligence, surveillance, and air and ground forces under the direction of the Theatre Command.
The military reported recovering a large quantity of weapons and ammunition after the fighting. The items include 42 AK-47 rifles, five PKT machine guns, four General Purpose Machine Guns, one 60mm mortar, 105 AK-47 magazines, two video cameras, and thousands of rounds of various calibres of ammunition. This cache of weapons will likely be a significant setback for the terrorists.
Despite the success, the military suffered some casualties. One soldier was killed in the engagements, while two others sustained minor injuries and are receiving treatment. The military described the outcome as a major setback for the terrorists, significantly degrading their operational capacity in the theatre.
The Nigerian military has been engaged in a long-running campaign against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the northeast. The terrorist groups have been responsible for widespread violence and instability in the region, targeting civilians and military personnel alike. The military's success in repelling these attacks is a welcome development for residents of the affected areas.
The military's efforts to combat terrorism in Nigeria have been ongoing for several years. With continued support from the government and the public, the military aims to bring stability and security to the region. The recent victories demonstrate the military's commitment to protecting the country and its citizens from terrorist threats.
Key points
- 48 terrorists killed in Borno and Yobe states
- Large cache of weapons recovered from terrorists
- Military suffers one fatality, two minor injuries in engagements
