# ISWAP insurgency in Borno State, Nigeria

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/iswap-insurgency-in-borno-state-nigeria
> Updated: 2026-10-18T10:13:34.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 2.

Conflict in Borno State involving the Nigerian military and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has resulted in significant casualties for both sides.

In early October, Nigerian troops from the 101 Special Forces Battalion repelled a multi-directional attack by ISWAP militants at a military outpost in Kukawa. The military reported killing over 25 terrorists and seizing various weapons, though the engagement also left at least 10 soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force dead.

On October 17, eight Nigerian soldiers were killed when their patrol vehicle struck a landmine in Kinuba village, located near the Cameroon border and approximately 25 kilometers from Gamboru. The incident occurred while military personnel were inspecting anti-jihadist militia members clearing thickets along a highway. Local sources and militia members reported that the explosive device was planted on a dusty road and “remotely detonated using a detonating cord.”

In addition to the eight fatalities, one militia member sustained shrapnel injuries. The attack, attributed to ISWAP, took place the same day Nigerian Army Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, was conducting a visit to Maiduguri. This follows a recent assault on a military base that resulted in the deaths of 15 soldiers and five militia members.

## Claims

- ISWAP is blamed for the landmine attack. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Eight Nigerian soldiers died in the vehicle explosion. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The landmine was remotely detonated using a detonating cord. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- One anti-jihadist militia member was injured by shrapnel. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The attack occurred in Kinuba village, Borno State, near the Cameroon border. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The incident occurred while Army Chief Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu was visiting Maiduguri. (corroborated by 6 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-18: Borno State: Eight Nigerian soldiers killed in ISWAP landmine explosion

Eight Nigerian soldiers died after their patrol vehicle hit a landmine in Borno State, near the Cameroon border. The attack, attributed to ISWAP, occurred during a militia clearing operation.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-eight-soldiers-killed-by-iswap-landmine-in-borno-state

### 2026-10-07: Borno State: Nigerian troops kill 25 militants in ISWAP attack

Nigerian troops repelled an ISWAP attack on a military base in Borno State, killing over 25 militants and recovering weapons, though at least 10 soldiers were killed in the clash.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-security-forces-disrupt-illegal-refining-and-neutralize-gang-leader

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Cite as: ISWAP insurgency in Borno State, Nigeria. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/iswap-insurgency-in-borno-state-nigeria