Nigerian Troops Repel ISWAP Attack In Wulgo, Kill Top Commanders

Nigerian Troops Repel ISWAP Attack In Wulgo, Kill Top Commanders

Wulgo, Borno State (August 22, 2025) — Nigerian military forces under Operation HADIN KAI have successfully thwarted a major assault by ISWAP insurgents in Wulgo, Borno State. The operation resulted in the deaths of at least seven terrorists—including two senior ISWAP commanders—and the recovery of four motorcycles, military sources confirmed. However, the insurgents managed to destroy an MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle during their retreat.

The Battle in Wulgo: A Precise, Confident Strike

According to local conflict monitors and reports from Zagazola Makama, the terrorists attacked heavily armed. In response, troops engaged decisively, delivering a heavy blow that cost ISWAP key figures. Among the slain were Abu Nazir, known as the “Munzir of Juye,” and Abu Fatima, the “Munzir of Koloram.” Several other militants sustained severe injuries during the gun battle.

An eyewitness military source confirmed:

“The terrorists came heavily armed but were decisively engaged. We inflicted heavy casualties on them, including two of their senior commanders.”

Operational Context: Operation HADIN KAI and ISWAP

Operation HADIN KAI was launched by the Nigerian Army in 2015 to dismantle insurgents across the Northeast, especially ISWAP—a splinter group that evolved from Boko Haram and pledged allegiance to ISIS. The operation combines ground offensives, aerial support, and improved intelligence sharing.

For context, Crisis Group reports ISWAP’s growing sophistication since its 2016 split from Boko Haram, as it shifted strategies towards civilian engagement and ideological recalibration to evade total military defeat.

Similarly, ACLED (Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project) notes that despite recent pressure, ISWAP continues to carry out asymmetric attacks across Borno and neighboring regions. Its resilience underscores the importance of operations like HADIN KAI in deterring further incursions.

Local Impacts and Restored Confidence

The incident in Wulgo, a rural locality in the Lake Chad Basin, falls within a region with a fragmented population and limited access to reliable information. According to UN OCHA’s humanitarian snapshot, local residents suffer from displacement, resource scarcity, and the constant threat of banditry or insurgent attacks.

The swift military response and success in neutralizing high-ranking ISWAP commanders offer reassurance to communities who rely on local radio stations and early warning systems for updates on security risks.

Analyzing Tactical Gains and Risks

Recovering four motorcycles likely disrupts insurgent mobility in the region—a crucial tactical advantage. The loss of an MRAP vehicle, however, indicates ISWAP’s aggressive response and ability to regain ground quickly. This highlights the need for improved movement security and reinforced logistics during operations.

Military analysts, including those from Sciences Po’s Centre for International Studies, emphasize that persistence is vital—recapturing territory requires not just tactical victories but sustained stabilization efforts.

Regional and Global Significance

ISWAP remains a priority threat not just for Nigeria but for regional partners like Chad, Cameroon, and Niger. As the group’s influence cuts across borders, effective operations in Nigeria bolster collective regional security and deter cross-border insurgency.

Globally, the success in Wulgo resonates with broader counterterrorism efforts in fragile states, signaling that coordinated multi-domain operations can yield positive results—even against adaptive groups like ISWAP.

What Comes Next?

While Operation HADIN KAI continues pressing forward, experts urge a balanced approach—one that combines military pressure with efforts to restore local governance, support displaced populations, and ensure lasting peace.

Several civil society groups and security think tanks recommend integrating developmental aid and psychological support for affected communities to build resilience against recurring insurgencies.

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