Nigerian Army Repels Coordinated Islamist Drone Attacks Killing 50 Insurgents

Nigerian military forces successfully repelled coordinated and simultaneous attacks by Islamist insurgents across multiple locations in Borno and Yobe states, killing over 50 militants and recovering a significant cache of weapons including AK-47 rifles, machine guns, RPG tubes, and thousands of rounds of ammunition. The attacks, which took place between midnight and early morning hours, involved the use of armed drones and rocket-propelled grenades, resulting in some military casualties and damage to vehicles and buildings, particularly in Mafa and Dikwa. Despite the insurgents momentarily breaching some defenses, Nigerian troops, supported by air strikes and enhanced intelligence, maintained their positions and pursued wounded militants. This latest assault reflects ongoing challenges Nigeria faces from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which have been engaged in conflict and territorial disputes since splitting in 2016. The insurgency has caused tens of thousands of deaths and displaced more than two million people over the past 15 years, with attacks continuing to rise in frequency and sophistication. The Nigerian military's response demonstrates both resilience and the evolving nature of counterinsurgency operations amid persistent insecurity in the region.