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ISWAP Retreats After Failed Attack in Borno, 15 Bodies Evacuated

Published by Tope Fakinlede on May 27th, 2025.

ISWAP Retreats After Failed Attack in Borno, 15 Bodies Evacuated

Fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) reportedly withdrew in disarray after a failed nighttime assault on New Marte, Borno State, leaving behind a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) and evacuating the bodies of at least 15 slain members.

Security analyst and counter-insurgency specialist in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, shared the development on Tuesday via his official X account, citing credible intelligence sources.

According to the information, around 1:35 a.m., a group of ISWAP militants arrived on roughly 20 motorcycles and attempted a coordinated offensive against Nigerian troops stationed in the area. The attackers were said to have brought a VBIED intended to breach the military’s defenses.

However, the insurgents were met with fierce resistance from forces under Operation Hadin Kai, who were bolstered by air support from the Nigerian Air Force. The combined ground and aerial response forced the militants to retreat, abandoning the VBIED in the process.

Makama stated that the explosive-laden vehicle was left behind as the militants escaped under intense firepower and airstrikes.