Six fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, were reportedly killed while seven others sustained serious injuries after troops repelled an attack on a Forward Operating Base, FOB, at Logomani in Borno State.

The development was disclosed in a report by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security expert covering the Lake Chad region.

According to the report, the terrorists launched the attack on the military position in the early hours of July 7 but suffered heavy casualties after troops mounted what was described as a fierce resistance.

Makama stated that intelligence assessments indicated the attackers assembled at Garal before advancing on the military base.

“Following the failed assault, surviving insurgents were reportedly seen regrouping at Chukun Gudu, where they buried six of their fighters killed during the encounter,” the report said.

Makama added that one of those reportedly buried was a senior ISWAP fighter identified as Munzir, also known as Ba Alayi, who was said to be an indigene of Wulgo.

The report further noted that the latest incident occurred as troops of Operation HADIN KAI continue sustained clearance operations aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves and disrupting insurgents’ logistics and movement across the Lake Chad region.

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, have rescued two abductees, repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists on a military base in Borno State and arrested suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in separate operations across the North-East.

The development was contained in a statement issued by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI.

According to the statement, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion rescued the two abductees during a search-and-rescue operation in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on July 7.

The operation also led to the recovery of N1.2 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities, food items and other logistics believed to have supported terrorist operations.

The military said the rescued victims had been evacuated to a secure location where they are receiving medical care and psychosocial support.

In a separate operation, troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base, Logomani, in Ngala Local Government Area successfully repelled a coordinated attack by suspected ISWAP fighters.

The troops reportedly regrouped after the insurgents briefly breached part of the base’s defensive perimeter, forcing the attackers to retreat with casualties.

The military, however, said one soldier was killed during the encounter, while two gun trucks and other combat equipment were damaged.

The statement added that troops of the 232 Battalion, acting on intelligence, arrested a suspected criminal in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State and recovered an AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

Similarly, troops of the 149 Battalion apprehended two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State, recovering cash, a Volkswagen Golf car, construction materials, household items and other supplies allegedly meant for terrorist elements.

Troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, supported by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, also recovered a sack containing assorted illicit drugs during a clearance operation around Wulgo after suspected terrorists fled the area.

The military further disclosed that six suspected ISWAP members and their families surrendered to troops in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

Recovered items included N1.541 million, two mobile phones and other materials.

In another operation, troops intercepted suspected terrorist logistics suppliers at Molai checkpoint in Borno State and in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State, recovering medical supplies and five motorcycle tyres allegedly intended for terrorist groups.

Operation HADIN KAI said the operations formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist logistics networks, rescue abductees and sustain pressure on insurgents across the North-East.

Troops of the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with members of the Forest Guards, have intercepted a vehicle conveying suspected stolen livestock in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The development was contained in a post shared by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, via his X handle.

According to the post, the interception occurred at about 6:28 a.m. on July 7 along the Kangiwa–Kamba Road during a routine fighting patrol by the joint security team.

The troops reportedly stopped a suspicious vehicle and recovered 14 goats, four rams, one mobile phone and N17,600 in cash.

The suspects were arrested and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution. 

The recovered livestock and other exhibits were also transferred to the police as part of the investigation.

According to security sources, the operation is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat livestock rustling and other criminal activities threatening rural communities in Kebbi State and the wider North-West region.