Nigerian military forces have repelled coordinated insurgent assaults in the North East, neutralising 48 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province fighters. The intense clashes occurred in Borno and Yobe states between 29 October and 30 October 2026.
According to Punch, the details were confirmed in an official statement by Captain Mohammed Goni, the Acting Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai. The confrontations took place around military locations in Bitta, situated in the Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, as well as the North East Theatre Training School located in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
In Bitta, ground troops backed by air support intercepted and shattered an assault launched by insurgents on the night of 29 October. The security forces mounted heavy pressure on the assailants, inflicting substantial casualties and forcing the surviving fighters to retreat.
Meanwhile, in Yobe State, troops engaged in a combat encounter that lasted roughly five hours. Large numbers of ISWAP fighters attempted an incursion into the training facility in Buni Yadi, starting late on 29 October and stretching into the morning hours of 30 October. Military authorities directed surveillance systems, reconnaissance assets, and air support to reinforce the ground forces during the fight.
Following the clearance operations, the army recovered an extensive cache of arms and equipment. Among the seized weapons were 42 AK-47 rifles, five PKT machine guns, four General Purpose Machine Guns, and a 60mm mortar. Soldiers also found 105 magazines, two video cameras, and thousands of live rounds of various calibres.
One soldier lost his life during the confrontation, while two others sustained minor injuries and are currently undergoing treatment. The military command noted that troop morale remains high, describing the outcome as a significant blow to insurgent operations in the region.
