Army says at least 12 suspected militants were killed after fighters attempted to storm a military base near the Cameroon border….reports Africa Daily News desk
Nigerian troops have killed at least 12 suspected terrorists after repelling an attempted assault on a military facility in the country’s conflict hit northeastern region, according to the army.
Nigeria’s military said the attack took place early Friday in Kirawa town in Borno state near the border with Cameroon, an area that has witnessed repeated militant activity linked to Islamist extremist groups.
In a statement issued on Saturday, army spokesperson Sani Uba said suspected terrorists attempted to infiltrate a military position occupied by troops from the 153 Task Force Battalion and allied forces.
According to the military, government troops responded with heavy gunfire, forcing the attackers to retreat towards the Cameroon border after an intense exchange of fire.
The army said at least 12 suspected militants were killed during the confrontation, while several others escaped with possible gunshot wounds.
Troops also recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition abandoned during the fighting, including AK 47 rifles, rocket propelled grenade launchers and a machine gun.
The latest clash comes amid intensified counter terrorism operations by Nigerian security forces targeting extremist groups operating in the country’s northeast, where insurgent violence has continued for more than a decade.
Earlier this week, the Nigerian military announced that 175 Islamic State fighters and commanders had been killed during joint operations involving Nigerian troops and United States forces in northeastern Nigeria.
Military spokesperson Samaila Uba said the coordinated air and ground operations targeted Islamic State positions, weapons depots, logistics hubs and financial networks used to sustain militant activities.
According to the military, several senior extremist figures were among those killed, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, who was described as the group’s second in command globally.
The Nigerian military said al Minuki played a major role in coordinating terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics and attack planning targeting civilians and security forces.
Officials said his death was expected to significantly weaken the operational structure and external attack capabilities of the extremist organisation.
Other senior figures reported killed during the recent operations included Abd-al Wahhab, described as a senior commander responsible for attacks and propaganda operations, along with Abu Musa al-Mangawi and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir.
The Nigerian military said the operations highlighted ongoing efforts by the armed forces to dismantle extremist networks threatening national and regional security.
The recent military campaign has been conducted under a newly established intelligence sharing and counter terrorism partnership between Nigeria and the United States aimed at combating militant organisations operating across the region.
Borno state remains one of the areas hardest hit by insurgent violence linked to extremist groups including Islamic State West Africa Province and other armed factions.
The conflict has displaced millions of people across northeastern Nigeria and neighbouring countries, while repeated attacks on villages, military facilities and civilian targets have continued despite years of counter insurgency operations.
