Nigerian Troops Repel ISWAP Attack, Inflict Heavy Losses on Terrorists in Borno

Nigerian troops, backed by the Nigerian Air Force, have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, dealing significant losses to the insurgents.

Security sources disclosed that the attack occurred in the early hours of Friday, June 19, 2026, when ISWAP fighters launched simultaneous assaults on military positions at Dusten Kura and along the Chara Road axis in Buratai.

According to the sources, the terrorists’ movements were detected early by vigilant troops, enabling the military to mount a swift and coordinated response. Ground forces, working closely with air assets, engaged the attackers before they could gain any significant advantage.

The Nigerian Air Force reportedly played a critical role in the operation by carrying out precision air strikes on the advancing insurgents. The strikes, coordinated with troops on the ground, disrupted the terrorists’ formations and inflicted substantial casualties on their ranks.

Military sources said the sustained aerial bombardment and ground assault threw the attackers into confusion, forcing them to abandon their offensive and retreat from the area.

The operation resulted in heavy losses for the terrorists, including casualties and the destruction of equipment used during the attack. Notably, Nigerian troops involved in the engagement recorded no casualties.

The successful defence of the military positions underscores the growing synergy between ground forces and air components in ongoing counterterrorism operations across the North-East. Security analysts say the operation demonstrates the effectiveness of improved intelligence gathering, early warning systems, and rapid response capabilities in confronting insurgent threats.

Buratai and surrounding communities in southern Borno have remained areas of strategic importance in the military’s sustained efforts to deny terrorist groups freedom of movement and operational bases within the region.

Military authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining pressure on terrorist elements and ensuring the security of communities across the North-East theatre of operations.