Nigerian soldiers have killed 48 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in two attacks on military positions in the North East. The fighting took place between October 29 and 30, 2026.
Captain Mohammed Goni announced the results on Friday. He is the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI. He spoke in a post on the Nigerian Army’s X handle.
The first attack hit Bitta, in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, on the night of October 29. Ground troops fought back with air support. According to Goni, the attackers suffered heavy losses and abandoned their plan.
A second, larger attack followed in Yobe State. A big group of ISWAP fighters struck the North East Theatre Training School (NETTS) in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area. The assault began on the evening of October 29 and lasted into the early hours of October 30.
The battle went on for about five hours. Troops responded with air and ground forces under the Theatre Command. They also used intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) systems.
After the fighting, soldiers recovered a large cache of weapons. It included 42 AK-47 rifles, five PKT machine guns and four General Purpose Machine Guns. The troops also found one 60mm mortar, 105 AK-47 magazines, two video cameras and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
The army lost one soldier in the clashes. Two others were slightly injured and are receiving treatment. Goni said morale among the troops remains high.
The military described the outcome as a major setback for the insurgents. It said the operations have significantly weakened their ability to fight in the region.
