Nigerian forces repel ISWAP attack in Borno and increase air and ground patrols

The Nigerian military has reported that it successfully stopped an attempted attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram militants on a troop base in Gajigana, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State.

The incident was first reported on Friday by security analyst and counter‑insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, who posted the details on his X account.

According to Makama, the attack began late on June 3 when a large group of militants on motorcycles tried to overrun a Forward Operating Base after breaching the area’s defensive positions.

Soldiers engaged the attackers in a prolonged firefight, stopping their advance and inflicting casualties, while coordinated aerial surveillance and strike support disrupted the militants’ movement corridors.

During the clash, the attackers were seen moving in dispersed motorcycle formations, with about 15 riders scattering in different directions under heavy defensive pressure.

One fleeing militant was neutralised during the exchange of fire, while the others withdrew into the surrounding terrain.

After the confrontation, troops carried out clearance and pursuit operations along the withdrawal routes, recovering one motorcycle and ammunition rounds that appeared to have been abandoned during the retreat.

In a related development, military authorities have increased air and ground patrols across key flashpoints in the North‑East theatre, including strategic corridors in Borno State.

The enhanced operations cover routes linking Auno, Benisheikh, Ngamdu, Konduga, Mafa, and the Maiduguri metropolis, as well as areas around Alau Dam and other identified infiltration routes, following intelligence reports of possible regrouping by insurgent elements.

Authorities say the ongoing operations are part of sustained counter‑insurgency efforts aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and preventing further attacks on both military and civilian targets in the region.