Soldiers in Yobe State killed 50 Islamic State West Africa Province fighters and seized a large cache of weapons and ammunition after repelling an attack on a military position.
The Nigerian Army said the terrorists launched an assault on one of its locations in the state, but troops fought back and defeated them. No details were given about when the attack happened or how many soldiers were involved in the operation.
The military did not say where exactly in Yobe the clash took place or provide a breakdown of the weapons recovered. Such operations have become routine in the northeast, where ISWAP and Boko Haram fighters regularly attack military bases, communities, and supply convoys.
Yobe has been one of the hardest hit states in the war against insurgency. Residents face constant threats from raids and kidnappings, and entire communities have been abandoned as families flee to safer areas. The military has stepped up operations in the region over the past year, claiming several victories against the terrorists.
The recovery of weapons suggests the fighters were well-armed when they attacked. ISWAP typically uses guns, explosives, and vehicles seized from military and civilian sources to carry out attacks. The loss of fifty fighters and their weapons represents a significant blow to the group's strength in the area.
The army has not announced what it will do next or whether it plans further operations in the location where the clash occurred.
