The Nigerian military says its troops have killed three top commanders of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) alongside eight of their fighters during a foiled ambush in the Lake Chad region.
According to a statement from defence sources, the incident occurred in Cross-Kauwa, near the shores of Lake Chad, where ISWAP terrorists attempted to launch a surprise attack on advancing troops. The terrorists detonated a command-operated improvised explosive device (IED) in an effort to halt the soldiers’ movement. However, the troops repelled the assault, overpowering the insurgents in a fierce gun battle.
The slain commanders were identified as Modu Dogo Munzir of Dogon Chukun, another commander whose full name has not yet been established, and Abu Aisha, the Qaid (leader) of Tumbun Mota. Their deaths are being described by security analysts as a significant blow to ISWAP’s operational network in the Lake Chad axis, a region notorious for serving as a stronghold for insurgent activities.
Eight other ISWAP fighters were also neutralized during the clash, while several weapons and explosives were recovered by the military. Troops have since intensified patrols in the area to prevent possible reprisal attacks and further destabilize terrorist activities around Lake Chad.
Military authorities noted that the successful operation demonstrates the armed forces’ sustained pressure against insurgents, adding that efforts are ongoing to restore full security to communities within Borno State and the wider North-East.
ISWAP, a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, has been responsible for numerous deadly attacks in Nigeria and neighbouring countries around the Lake Chad basin. The group has relied on ambushes, IEDs, and raids on civilian and military targets to sustain its insurgency.
The Defence Headquarters has reiterated its commitment to rooting out terrorism, urging residents in the affected communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces by reporting suspicious movements.
