The Nigerian military says its troops have killed 438 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in the past seven months during intensified counter-terrorism operations in Borno State. The Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) disclosed this on Saturday in Maiduguri, according to its Theatre Commander, Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar.
Abubakar said the operations were carried out between May and December 2025. He added that troops also recovered 254 assorted weapons, seized 300 Starlink communication devices, and rescued 366 civilians from areas previously controlled by the insurgents. “The surrender of 881 JAS/ISWAP fighters and their families, among other accomplishments, further underscores the progress made,” he said.
The commander attributed the reported successes to support from the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, noting that the military would “maintain the tempo” of operations. However, insecurity persists in parts of the North-East, with residents reporting attacks and ambushes, while independent verification of military claims remains difficult due to restricted access to conflict zones.