In a devastating security incident in Northeast Nigeria, jihadist fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have killed four security personnel during an ambush in Borno State. The attack occurred on Friday in Damboa district, highlighting the persistent threat of terrorism in the region.
Deadly Ambush Details
According to military sources and security reports, ISWAP militants opened fire with heavy weapons on a patrol convoy consisting of Nigerian troops, Civilian JTF members, and local hunters. The ambush targeted the motorcycle-led patrol that included a brigade commander, resulting in intense exchange of gunfire.
A military officer who requested anonymity confirmed the casualties: "We lost two soldiers and two members of the Civilian CJTF in the ambush by ISWAP terrorists." The officer further explained that the terrorists had strategically positioned themselves to attack the patrol convoy.
The United Nations situation report seen by AFP corroborated these details, confirming the death toll and revealing that the jihadists seized 17 motorcycles during the confrontation. Several soldiers, including the military commander, were initially reported missing, though the commander later returned to base in Damboa town.
Military Response and Regional Context
In a significant counter-operation, the Nigerian Air Force Component from Operation Hadin Kai conducted strategic airstrikes that eliminated over 70 ISWAP militants. This retaliatory action demonstrates the military's continued efforts to combat terrorism in the region.
The attack underscores the complex security landscape in Northeast Nigeria, where ISWAP remains a formidable threat despite ongoing internecine conflicts with rival jihadist group Boko Haram. The two groups have been locked in violent competition for control around Lake Chad areas.
Recent intelligence reports reveal the intensity of this conflict, with Boko Haram killing approximately 200 ISWAP fighters in an ambush on Lake Chad shores just days before the Damboa incident. This internal jihadist warfare has created a volatile security environment.
Broader Implications and Government Response
The persistent violence has taken a severe human toll, with more than 40,000 people killed and around two million displaced since the conflict erupted in 2019. The crisis has spilled across borders into neighboring Niger, Cameroon, and Chad, prompting regional military cooperation.
Amid these security challenges, the Nigerian government is pursuing diplomatic solutions. Information Minister Mohammed Idris confirmed that the Federal Government is holding talks with the United States regarding recent military threats, indicating that diplomatic channels are proving effective in improving bilateral relations.
Nigerian citizens continue to urge President Bola Tinubu to intensify military operations against terrorist enclaves, seeking stronger security measures to protect communities in the affected regions.
