Nigeria Says Troops Killed 48 Islamist Fighters in Borno and Yobe

Nigeria's military says troops killed 48 Islamist fighters after attacks on military positions in Borno and Yobe, with air support.

By News National Editorial Team

Nigeria's military says its troops, supported by air operations, killed 48 Islamist fighters after repelling attacks on military positions in the northeastern states of Borno and Yobe.

The reported clashes took place overnight and continued into the early hours of October 30, 2026, according to a military statement cited by Reuters. The attacks targeted positions at Bitta in Borno State and a military training school in Buni Yadi, Yobe State.

The military identified the attackers as members of Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The reported death toll has not been independently verified.

Attacks reported in Borno and Yobe

Military spokesperson Captain Mohammed Goni said troops foiled overnight attacks on the two military positions.

In Bitta, Borno State, troops supported by air operations reportedly repelled an assault before launching a counter-offensive.

A separate attack targeted a military training school in Buni Yadi, Yobe State. According to the military spokesperson, troops responded to the assault, with fighting continuing into the early hours of Friday.

The military said the combined operations resulted in 48 insurgents being killed.

It also reported that one soldier died during the fighting and two others sustained minor injuries. The injured personnel were receiving treatment, according to the statement.

These casualty figures and details are based on the Nigerian military's account as reported by Reuters. Independent confirmation of the number of fighters killed was not available in the report.

Continued insurgency in northeastern Nigeria

Boko Haram and ISWAP have been involved in a long-running insurgency in northeastern Nigeria.

The conflict has affected communities across Borno, Yobe and neighbouring areas, with attacks targeting civilians, security forces and military installations.

Nigeria has conducted military operations over many years to contain the insurgency. However, armed groups have continued to carry out attacks in parts of the region.

Recent attacks on military positions have raised renewed concerns about security in areas where troops are responsible for protecting strategic locations and local communities.

Role of Boko Haram and ISWAP

Boko Haram emerged as an armed Islamist movement in northeastern Nigeria and later developed into a major insurgent organisation.

ISWAP is a splinter faction associated with the Islamic State network. It has operated in the Lake Chad region and has repeatedly targeted military positions and other locations.

The two groups have different organisational structures, although both have been involved in violence across the region.

Their continued activity has complicated efforts to restore security and stability in northeastern Nigeria.

Security situation remains a concern

Military operations and air support remain part of Nigeria's efforts to respond to insurgent attacks. However, the reported clashes demonstrate that armed groups continue to pose a security challenge.

The human cost of the conflict extends beyond military casualties. Communities in affected areas have experienced displacement, disruption to education and economic activity, and difficulties accessing basic services.

The latest military announcement provides an account of the October 30 operations, but further independent reporting and official updates will be important for establishing the full circumstances and casualties.

News National will continue to monitor developments in northeastern Nigeria, including further statements from the military and independently verified information about the security situation.