Kukawa Battle: Troops Kill Over 25 ISWAP Fighters, Foil Festive Massacre Plot in South

Nigerian troops have killed more than 25 Islamic State West Africa Province fighters during a fierce battle in Kukawa, Borno State, as security agencies separately foiled a plot by the terror group to massacre civilians in southern Nigeria during the festive season.

The Kukawa engagement occurred when ISWAP terrorists launched a coordinated assault on troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion from four different directions between 9:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, according to security sources.

The troops, supported by the Air Component, fought back fiercely and defeated the attackers after a prolonged exchange of fire that extended into the early hours of Wednesday.

“Preliminary assessment indicates that over 25 terrorists were neutralised, with 14 bodies recovered so far,” the Army said in a statement signed by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai.

During exploitation of the area, troops recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including six AK-47 rifles, 10 magazines, 797 rounds of PKT ammunition, three rocket-propelled grenade bombs and an anti-tank bomb.

The Army confirmed that some gallant soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter, though it did not disclose the exact number of casualties . Military sources later indicated that about eight to ten soldiers were killed in the attack.

“The Nigerian Army extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen heroes and stands with them at this difficult moment,” Captain Goni said. “Their courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty will remain an enduring testament to their service to the nation. May their souls rest in peace”.

In a separate but linked operation, security agencies killed a senior ISWAP commander, Abdussamad Ohida, also known as Anwar, in Owo forest, Ondo State, foiling plans to launch coordinated terror attacks in parts of southern Nigeria during the Yuletide celebrations.

The operation was carried out by a combined team of Nigerian Army troops, operatives of the Department of State Services and personnel of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun.

Ohida was a former deputy to ISWAP Central Nigeria commander Abu Ikrimah, also known as Abu Uwais, who was arrested by the DSS in 2023. Following Ikrimah’s arrest, Ohida allegedly assumed command of ISWAP operations across parts of the North-Central and southern regions.

“The plan was to attack civilians during the festive period and ultimately disrupt the 2027 general elections. This intelligence was corroborated by intelligence partners from the United Kingdom, who supported the elimination operation,” a security source said.

Ohida was linked to several attacks on security formations, including the December 31, 2025, attack on Ipele Divisional Police Station in Owo, the July 28, 2022, attack on a military checkpoint along Suleja-Zuba Road in Niger State, and the July 11, 2022, attack on Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.

“We may not immediately realise it, but the elimination of Abdussamad Ohida represents a significant disruption to ISWAP’s leadership structure, operational network and expansion efforts in central and southern Nigeria,” another source said.

The Defence Headquarters confirmed that the armed forces killed at least 35 terrorists in two major engagements within seven days, including the Kukawa battle and a separate operation in Kebbi State where 10 Lakurawa fighters were killed.

The military said the decisive defeat of the Kukawa assault underscored the combat readiness and fighting effectiveness of Nigerian Army troops in the North East Theatre, demonstrating the growing effectiveness of air-ground synergy and joint operations in disrupting terrorist activities.

Troops have continued exploitation operations to recover additional weapons, track fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping.