ISWAP fighters ‘forced to flee’ as troops repel attack in Borno town

Nigerian troops have reportedly repelled an attack on the outskirts of Borno by fighters of the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP).

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the terrorists attacked the town around 2am on Monday from the Sambisa forest axis through Yarimari Gana.

The publication said troops of the 21 brigade “were swiftly deployed to the scene where they engaged the terrorists at the back of the Bama IDPs camp forcing them to flee”.

The troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) are said to have killed 35 terrorists in Bama LGA between April 17 and 20.

TheCable had reported how the troops of Sector 3 Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) repelled a similar attack by ISWAP fighters in Monguno, a northern Borno town.

Before then, the troops had also repelled a series of attacks launched against its bases in Mafa and Biu LGAs of the state.

On March 27, the troops of Operation Hadin Kai repelled an attack by ISWAP fighters on a military base in Kunnari, a village near Buratai town.

Two days later, the troops repelled another ISWAP attack targeted at a military asset in Ajiri, Mafa LGA of Borno.

Zagazola Makama said the failed attack was in retaliation to the killing of 41 ISWAP fighters – including a commander.