Troops Repel ISWAP Assault on Military Position in Borno as Soldier Is Wounded

Nigerian troops have successfully repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on a military position in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack took place on September 7 while troops of Operation Hadin Kai were conducting ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the area.

According to the military, the attackers launched an assault aimed at overwhelming the position, but troops held their ground and responded with sustained firepower.

The resistance prevented the terrorists from breaching or taking control of the military location, forcing them to withdraw from the area.

The operation involved coordination between Nigerian Army troops, the Nigerian Air Force and the Civilian Joint Task Force.

The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai provided intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support during the engagement, helping ground forces monitor the attackers and coordinate their response.

The military said air assets also carried out precision strikes against identified hostile elements as the attackers attempted to withdraw.

One soldier was wounded during the confrontation.

Military authorities said the soldier sustained a gunshot wound to his left arm and was evacuated for medical treatment. He was stabilised and is responding to treatment, with his condition reported to be stable.

Following the withdrawal of the attackers, troops began exploitation operations around the area.

The operation is aimed at assessing the impact of the attack, recovering any weapons or equipment abandoned by the terrorists and gathering intelligence that could support further operations against the fleeing elements.

Security forces have remained on heightened alert in and around Pulka, with troops continuing patrols, surveillance and other counter-terrorism activities.

The military has also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information about suspicious movements or activities to security formations.

Why the Pulka attack matters

Pulka is located in Gwoza Local Government Area, an area that has experienced years of violence linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents.

Military positions in the region remain strategically important because they help security forces protect communities, maintain patrol routes and prevent armed groups from establishing freedom of movement.

The latest confrontation also highlights the continuing importance of coordination between ground troops, the Nigerian Air Force and local civilian security structures.

While the military said the attackers withdrew with casualties, it did not provide a verified figure for the number of ISWAP fighters killed or wounded.

The successful defence means the military position remained under the control of Nigerian security forces after the attack.

For residents of Borno and other parts of Nigeria's North-East, the incident is another reminder that the insurgency remains an active security challenge despite sustained military operations against terrorist groups.

The military says troops will continue offensive and defensive operations to prevent terrorist elements from regrouping and threatening communities in the area.

Key Facts:

• Suspected ISWAP fighters attacked a military position in Pulka, Gwoza LGA, Borno State.

• The attack occurred on September 7, 2026.

• Nigerian troops operating under Operation Hadin Kai repelled the assault.

• The attackers failed to overrun the military position and withdrew.

• The Nigerian Air Force provided intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support.

• Air assets also conducted strikes against identified hostile elements as they withdrew.

• The Civilian Joint Task Force supported the operation with local information.

• One Nigerian soldier sustained a gunshot wound to his left arm.

• The injured soldier was evacuated, stabilised and reported to be in stable condition.

• Troops launched follow-up exploitation operations after the attackers withdrew.

Sources:
Nigerian Army / Operation Hadin Kai
Voice of Nigeria
Premium Times
PUNCH
TheCable