Troops Repel Major Midnight Attack in Chibok as NAF Airstrikes Crush Fleeing ISWAP Fighters

Nigerian troops, backed by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), successfully repelled a large-scale overnight attack by more than 300 ISWAP/Boko Haram fighters in a major operation that unfolded in the early hours of Saturday.

Security sources confirmed that the insurgents launched a coordinated assault at about 3:00 a.m., advancing from multiple directions in an attempt to overrun positions manned by the 28 Task Force Brigade, Sector 4 of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK). Their target appeared to be a breach of Chibok town and disruption of established military deployments.

Ground troops responded swiftly, engaging the attackers in an intense two-hour firefight. Their strong defensive posture and tactical precision forced the insurgents to retreat toward the Timbuktu Triangle, long known as a hideout for extremist groups.

“The troops were fully prepared and professionally neutralised the threat. There were no casualties on our side, and no equipment was lost,” a military source said.

With fighters withdrawing in disarray, troops called in air support. NAF combat aircraft were deployed immediately, tracking the fleeing militants and striking their movements with precision.

Sources said four major air interdictions were executed. The opening strike targeted a large regrouping formation, delivering what officials described as “significant degradation” to the hostile force. Additional strikes hit scattered clusters moving through forested terrain, stopping attempts at reorganization.

A UAV provided continuous surveillance throughout the operation and carried out further precision engagements on retreating elements.

“The platform delivered accurate strikes that broke their movement and neutralised several threats,” another source disclosed.

Security officials say the seamless coordination between ground forces and air assets dealt a decisive blow to the attackers, marking one of the most successful counter-terrorism operations in the region this month.