Nigerian troops have successfully repelled an attack by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Kukawa town, Borno State, resulting in the deaths of 25 terrorists. The assault, which began on the night of October 6 and continued into the morning of October 7, was met with a robust response from the military, supported by the Nigerian Air Force.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, confirmed the military's decisive action, highlighting the fierce gun battle that ensued. In addition to the fatalities, troops recovered a significant cache of weapons, including six AK-47 rifles, ten magazines, 797 rounds of PKT ammunition, three rocket-propelled grenade bombs, and an anti-tank bomb.

This operation is part of a broader military campaign aimed at combating terrorism across Nigeria's northeastern region. Reports indicate that military activities from October 2 to 8 involved various operations targeting terrorist groups. Notably, in Yobe State, troops thwarted another attack on Abakurari village on October 5, killing one militant and seizing an AK-47 rifle.

In Kukawa Local Government Area, soldiers recovered two gunboat guns on October 6 and an additional AK-47 at Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area. The military also reported several successful rescues of abducted individuals, including two women freed near Gwoza on October 4 and three more who had been held captive for seven years.

In a related operation in Kebbi State, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma engaged and killed 10 Lakurawa terrorists on October 7. The attackers, who arrived on over 100 motorcycles armed with heavy weaponry, were forced to retreat, leaving behind significant military hardware, including 17 motorcycles and assorted ammunition.

Additionally, the military confirmed the death of a senior ISWAP commander, Abdussamad Ohida, in Owo forest, Ondo State, on October 2. Ohida, who had taken over leadership of ISWAP's Central Nigeria faction after the arrest of its previous leader in 2023, was reportedly planning large-scale attacks on civilians in southern states during the upcoming festive season.

Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede praised the troops for their bravery and urged collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders to report any individuals supporting terrorist activities as the festive season approaches. This call for vigilance underscores the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in maintaining peace and stability in the region.