Four Nigerian Soldiers Reportedly Killed as ISWAP Ambushes Troops in Borno

No fewer than four Nigerian soldiers have reportedly been killed after suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, ambushed troops in Borno State.

African jihadism expert Brant Philip disclosed the development in a post shared on his official X account on Thursday.

According to Philip, the attack occurred on August 6, 2026, along the road between Yamtake and Bitta in Borno State.

He said the terrorists reportedly used small arms and an improvised explosive device, IED, during the ambush.

The attack allegedly left four soldiers dead and several others injured.

Philip also claimed that the attackers destroyed at least three military vehicles and captured another vehicle, alongside weapons and ammunition belonging to the soldiers.

He wrote:

“ISWAP conducted an ambush against the Nigerian army on August 6 between Yamtake and Bitta, Borno State, using small arms and an IED, reportedly killing four soldiers and injuring others while destroying three vehicles and capturing a fourth along with weapons and ammunition.”

The report also claimed that ISWAP released graphic images purportedly showing the bodies of soldiers killed during the attack.

However, the Nigerian military had not officially confirmed the reported deaths as of the time of filing this report.

The reported ambush comes amid continued military operations against ISWAP and other insurgent groups across Borno State.

On Tuesday, the military confirmed that troops of Operation Hadin Kai had repelled an attack by ISWAP fighters on a military base in Gajiram, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State.

Acting Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, said several terrorists were killed during the operation, while some soldiers sustained injuries.

The latest reported attack highlights the continuing security challenges faced by Nigerian troops operating across the Lake Chad Basin and other areas of the North-East.