By Daniel Edu

On Thursday, July 20, 2023, fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) engaged in a clash with troops of the Nigerian Army in Borno State. The confrontation occurred in the Monguno Local Government Area of the state, where the terrorists were confronted by the troops of Sector 3 multi-national joint task force (MNJTF).

According to Zagazola Makama, a renowned counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region, the ISWAP insurgents invaded the area in several Hilux trucks equipped with anti-aircraft guns. Some of the terrorists rode on motorcycles while others on foot attacked the troops at Charlie 6 in Monguno town.

Despite the initial assault by the terrorists, the Nigerian Army troops put up a strong defense and forced the insurgents to retreat from the location.

In another operation, over 100 troops reportedly raided bandits’ hideouts in Iche, Taka-Lafiya, Gidan Makeri, and Janjala communities in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The bandits, who were previously located in the far north, were relocating to set up new camps around some villages in Kagarko.

However, the bandits managed to escape into the forest as the troops launched the raid on their hideouts.

Nigerian Army spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu, confirmed the developments, stating that the troops conducted an operation in Kagarko on Wednesday. He also mentioned that no informants were arrested during the operation.

In recent times, the Nigerian Army has been intensifying efforts in its fight against terrorists, particularly in the Northern region of Nigeria, where groups like ISWAP and bandits have been active. The clashes and operations reflect the ongoing efforts to combat insurgency and maintain security in the affected areas