ISWAP terrorists kill 27 Nigerian soldiers

• The attack reportedly involved a suicide bomber who ploughed a vehicle loaded with explosives through a convoy of advancing soldiers. The vehicle was reportedly covered in thick foliage, making detection difficult

A deadly attack on Nigerian troops in the West African nation’s beleaguered north-east region has claimed the lives of at least 27 soldiers.

Many soldiers also sustained severe injuries in the devastating attack, which occurred on Friday evening, according to military sources.

The attack reportedly happened at about 8:30 pm GMT during an ground onslaught aimed at Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants in a dangerous stronghold straddling Borno and Yobe states.

“The suicide attack killed 27 soldiers, including the commander, and left several others seriously injured,” TheGuardian quoted one of the military sources as saying.

Another officer disclosed that the timing and conditions of the ground offensive were a contributory factor to the tragedy.

He stated that the darkness impaired the troops vision which made it virtually impossible for them to survey their surroundings thoroughly.

“It was dark, which made it difficult for the troops to have a clear view of the surroundings,” the officer said.

The attack reportedly involved a suicide bomber who ploughed a vehicle loaded with explosives through a convoy of advancing soldiers. The vehicle was reportedly covered in thick foliage, making detection difficult.

Military hierarchy is yet to release an official statement on the incident as the names of the deceased soldiers remain

The Islamic State West Africa Province has been launching relentless brutal attacks on military and civilian targets in the northeast since its split from Boko Haram in 2016.

The group has captured vast territories, including the Timbuktu Triangle and the Sambisa Forest, and is known for using roadside bombs and rigged vehicles to launch assaults.

In July 2024, a similar attack in a village where ISWAP is active claimed the lives of seven soldiers after their vehicle hit a landmine.

The 15-year-long insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast has resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 people and displaced nearly two million others.

The violence has also spread to neighbouring countries, including Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, prompting the establishment of a regional military force to combat the militants