ISWAP Claims Attacks on Nigerian Military and CJTF in North East Nigeria
Although insurgent groups operating in Lake Chad have been weakened by internal fights and military assaults, ISWAP has persisted in its attacks, claiming more assaults since the beginning of this year.
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has claimed responsibility for two separate attacks targeting the Nigerian military and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Borno and Yobe States, North East Nigeria. The terrorist group made the claims in statements released through its media channels on Sunday, March 9, saying the attacks occurred the previous day.
In the first attack, ISWAP stated that its fighters launched an assault on a Nigerian Army outpost in Sabon Gari, Borno State, using machine guns. According to the group, the attack resulted in the killing of one soldier, while others left the position. The terrorists also reported setting parts of the military post on fire and seizing heavy and medium machine guns before withdrawing from the area.
In a separate incident, ISWAP claimed to have targeted a member of CJTF near Gujba, Yobe State. The group stated that the attack, which was carried out with automatic weapons, led to the death of the CJTF member. Additionally, ISWAP fighters reportedly set fire to the homes of three other CJTF members in the same town.
The Nigerian military has yet to issue an official statement confirming or denying the attacks. However, security sources in the region have reported an uptick in ISWAP activities after previous gains, particularly in remote areas of Borno and Yobe, where the group has continued to target military positions and local self-defense forces.
These latest claims indicate the persistent security threats in northeastern Nigeria, where ISWAP and other violent jihadi factions continue to wage terror activities on civilians and insurgency against government forces. In January, the group attacked a military base in Mallam Fatori reportedly killing 20 soldiers.
Despite the Nigerian military recording successes in counterterrorism operations in the North East, ISWAP’s persistent attacks indicate the group’s resilience and operational capabilities. Although terror groups operating in Lake Chad have been weakened by internal fights and military assaults, ISWAP has persisted in its attacks, claiming more assaults since the beginning of this year.
Security analysts warn that the group’s strategy of targeting military outposts and local militias could undermine counterterrorism efforts and further destabilise rural communities already struggling with violence after displaced people have been resettled by the Borno State government.
The Nigerian authorities are expected to respond to the latest attacks as the military continues its campaign to degrade ISWAP’s operational strength.
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has claimed responsibility for two attacks in Borno and Yobe States, North East Nigeria, targeting the Nigerian military and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). In Borno, the terrorist group attacked a Nigerian Army outpost at Sabon Gari, killing a soldier, setting fire to part of the military post, and seizing weapons. In Yobe, a CJTF member was killed, and homes of three others were torched by ISWAP.
The Nigerian military has yet to confirm these attacks, but an uptick in ISWAP activities is noted in the region, raising persistent security threats. Despite some military successes, ISWAP's ongoing assaults highlight its resilience and potential destabilization of rural communities, complicating counterterrorism efforts in releasevicinities where displaced persons have been resettled. The Nigerian authorities are expected to respond as the military continues its campaign against ISWAP.
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