Five Nigerian soldiers were reportedly killed on Friday, April 17, 2026, when suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked a military base in Mussa village, Borno State.
According to militia sources who spoke to AFP, the insurgents stormed the base before being repelled by troops. Following the attack, clashes were also reported in nearby Leho village.
However, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have recorded significant operational successes across multiple theatres of operation between April 10 and 16, 2026, as troops sustained coordinated offensives against Boko Haram, ISWAP, JAS, violent extremist groups, kidnappers, and secessionist armed elements nationwide.
According to a statement issued by the Directorate of Defence Media Operations, the operations led to the arrest of several suspects, rescue of kidnapped victims, interception of terrorist logistics supplies, and neutralisation of armed criminals in ongoing efforts to create a safer and more secure environment across the country.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the North East also maintained sustained pressure on insurgent networks across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States, recording multiple arrests and seizures.
In Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, a suspect who confessed to supplying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to terrorists for about 10 years was arrested, with 60 litres of fuel, a mobile phone, and cash recovered.
In Adamawa State, 20 suspects were apprehended during raids on criminal hideouts in Mubi North, with items including electronics, cash totaling over ₦2.1 million, and other materials recovered.
In Yobe State, troops arrested three suspected informants linked to monitoring troop movements.
However, the Nigerian military had also in recent times suffered set backs in the fight against insurgency in the North East. Nigeria Tourism Guide
Suspected fighters of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) had last week attacked a military formation, killing a colonel, I.A. Mohammed, and other soldiers.
Also Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah and 6 soldiers paid the supreme price early in a coordinated attacks by suspected members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) on military formations in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area, as well as Ngamdu and Pulka town in the Gwoza LGA of Borno state.