Nigerian troops have killed over 60 terrorists in Borno State during a series of operations, including the elimination of Abu Fatima, a top commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). These military victories come as the nation grapples with a separate tragic attack that left 11 villagers dead in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Major Victory Against Insurgents in Borno

In the early hours of Friday, troops of Operation Hadin Kai repelled a coordinated attack on their base in Bita, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. According to a statement by the Nigerian Army, ground forces, supported by air raids, neutralized at least 60 insurgents in a fierce firefight that lasted until around 3:23 a.m.

The attackers, believed to be Boko Haram militants, had targeted troops attached to the 26 Task Force Brigade. This was the second attempted assault on a military base in Borno in one week, both of which were thwarted. However, recent weeks have seen more than three such attacks, prompting the military to adapt and reinforce its strategies.

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, speaking at an All Progressives Congress (APC) summit, revealed that counterinsurgency efforts have resulted in the death of over 13,000 terrorists in the past two years. Additionally, more than 120,000 insurgents and their families have surrendered to Nigerian forces.

ISWAP Commander Abu Fatima Eliminated

In a separate operation, Nigerian troops killed Abu Fatima, a senior ISWAP commander with a ₦100 million bounty on his head. He was reportedly captured alive in Aleru village, Kukawa LGA of Borno State, but later died from excessive bleeding. Two of his lieutenants were also killed in the mission.

Abu Fatima was known for orchestrating brutal attacks around the Baga axis in northern Borno. The operation also led to the recovery of motorcycles, rifles, and bomb-making materials. His death is seen as a significant blow to ISWAP and has been compared in impact to the killing of former Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau.

In the last 48 hours alone, over 60 insurgents from both Boko Haram and ISWAP were killed during a failed attempt to overrun the border town of Damasak, further weakening the terrorists’ operational capacity.

FCT Village Attack Leaves 11 Dead

While military successes are being recorded in the North-East, tragedy struck the Kuseki community in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the FCT, where 11 villagers were killed in a brutal midnight attack.

Eyewitness Danladi Usman recounted that the attackers, armed with guns and machetes, invaded homes around 10:47 p.m. last Friday, catching residents off guard. Usman said he survived by hiding in an outdoor toilet for 45 minutes, only to discover that two of his sons had been shot. Several residents fled into the surrounding bush for safety.

The attackers killed nine people on the spot and injured at least 10 others. Two more victims later died at a nearby clinic in Nasarawa State, bringing the death toll to 11. Among the dead was a local trader whose shop was looted.

Village chief Gomo Dankwali expressed shock over the attack, stating that the community had lived peacefully without conflict. He suspects the attackers may have been hired, especially as the assault occurred while the local vigilante group was away for a meeting in a nearby village. He called on security agencies to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The police have reportedly visited the community and taken statements, while families have buried the victims.