Key points

• Troops killed more than 50 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.

• Several assault rifles, RPGs, and machine guns were recovered.

• Military praised soldiers for courage in repelling attacks.

Nigerian troops have once again repelled coordinated attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Borno and Yobe states, killing more than 50 terrorists and recovering large caches of weapons.

Military sources said the attempted invasions took place in the early hours of Thursday, October 23, 2025, targeting army positions in Dikwa, Mafa, and Gajibo in Borno, and Katarko in Yobe.

Heavy casualties for Boko Haram and ISWAP

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai responded swiftly, overpowering the attackers after several hours of intense fighting. More than 50 insurgents were killed while dozens fled with injuries.

Recovered weapons included 38 AK-47 rifles, seven PKT machine guns, five RPG tubes, two GPMGs, hand grenades, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

According to the source, about 70 wounded fighters are still being tracked by ground troops and air forces working in close coordination.

Coordinated response supported by air operations

The simultaneous attacks happened between midnight and 4 a.m., but the soldiers stood their ground.

The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai carried out precision strikes that gave the troops a strong advantage.

The source said the combination of aerial surveillance and intelligence allowed the troops to respond with “overwhelming force.”

The attacks were launched from known terrorist routes — fighters in Dikwa and Gajibo advanced from the Cameroon border, while those in Katarko came from the Timbuktu Triangle, a long-time insurgent base.

Troops praised for courage and professionalism

Some soldiers were injured in the battle but are in stable condition. Several vehicles and buildings were damaged by fire and rocket attacks, particularly in Mafa and Dikwa, where the terrorists briefly breached a defensive line before being overpowered.

The Military High Command commended the troops for their courage and discipline, noting that their performance reflects the army’s renewed determination to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.