Eight Nigerian soldiers killed in ISWAP attack on Borno military base

At least eight Nigerian soldiers were killed when Islamic State West Africa Province ISWAP terrorists attacked the 101 Special Forces Battalion in Kukawa, Borno State.

Military sources disclosed the casualty figure after the attack on Tuesday evening, October 6, 2026.

The Nigerian Army confirmed the assault on Wednesday. However, it did not disclose the number of soldiers killed. The Army said some troops paid the supreme sacrifice during the coordinated attack.

Military sources disclosed that eight soldiers died during the prolonged gun battle with the insurgents.

One source said the terrorists arrived in gun trucks and motorcycles. They then engaged the troops in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

The attackers initially overwhelmed the soldiers and took control of parts of the base. Reinforcements later arrived with support from the Nigerian Air Force.

The additional troops helped the military regain control of the base. They also launched counter-attacks against the insurgents.

The terrorists reportedly set some military gun trucks and logistics vehicles ablaze during the attack.

Military sources said troops killed about 25 ISWAP fighters during the counter-operation.

The Army described the incident as a coordinated four-pronged assault on the 101 Special Forces Battalion.

It said troops under Operation HADIN KAI, with support from the Nigerian Air Force, repelled the attack.

The Army said its preliminary assessment showed that troops had neutralised more than 25 terrorists. Soldiers also recovered 14 bodies and six AK-47 rifles from the insurgents.

The military has not confirmed the reported death of eight soldiers. The final casualty figure could therefore change as the Army completes its assessment.

The attack occurred along the Lake Chad axis, where insurgents continue to threaten communities and military formations in northern Borno.

The 101 Special Forces Battalion operates in the area as part of efforts to contain ISWAP. Its location also helps the military prevent insurgents from expanding their operations into other communities.

The latest attack highlights the continuing threat from ISWAP along the Lake Chad axis.