The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has officially claimed responsibility for a series of deadly attacks in Nigeria’s northeast, including the assault on a Nigerian army base in Malam-Fatori, Borno State. The attack, which took place earlier this month, left at least 16 Nigerian soldiers dead and several others injured, according to multiple security sources and international monitoring groups.

This claim, first reported by the jihadist monitoring platform SITE Intelligence Group, reaffirms ISWAP’s continued campaign of violence in the Lake Chad region and its intent to destabilize government forces. The assault on the Malam-Fatori base involved heavy weaponry and explosives, which overwhelmed the stationed troops and led to the destruction of military assets.

Background of ISWAP’s Activities

ISWAP, a splinter faction of Boko Haram, formally pledged allegiance to ISIS in 2015 and has since grown into one of the most dangerous insurgent groups in the region. The group frequently targets military personnel, humanitarian workers, and civilians, especially in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. The U.S. Department of State designates ISWAP as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), highlighting its global threat status.

The Malam-Fatori incident adds to the growing list of ISWAP’s high-profile attacks. In recent years, the Nigerian military has launched multiple counter-insurgency operations under the “Operation Hadin Kai” umbrella to curb these threats, but results have been mixed due to the group’s guerrilla tactics and knowledge of the terrain.

Security and National Implications

The loss of 16 soldiers in a single attack is a major blow to national morale and raises questions about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy. In an official statement, the Nigerian Army acknowledged the attack and confirmed ongoing efforts to reinforce security in the Lake Chad area. “Our troops are conducting clearance operations to prevent further ambushes and restore stability,” said a military spokesperson.

Security analysts, such as Kabiru Adamu of Beacon Security, warn that ISWAP’s growing operational capability is a reflection of both local support in some areas and access to sophisticated arms. “This is not just a domestic issue anymore; it requires enhanced regional cooperation, especially among Lake Chad Basin countries,” he said.

International Response and Humanitarian Impact

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has expressed concern over the continuing insecurity in Borno and surrounding states, which hampers aid delivery and displaces thousands of residents. Over 2 million people are internally displaced in northeast Nigeria, with many relying on humanitarian assistance for survival.

Additionally, international partners such as the United States and the European Union continue to support Nigeria through military aid, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian funding. However, many believe a more community-centered approach that addresses the root causes of extremism—such as poverty, illiteracy, and lack of governance—is essential.

The Road Ahead

As ISWAP steps up its attacks on security infrastructure, there is an urgent need for Nigeria to recalibrate its counter-insurgency framework. This includes improved intelligence, better equipment for troops, collaboration with local communities, and decisive political will.

Moreover, the federal government must work closely with international allies and regional forces like the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to contain this transnational threat. The persistence of ISWAP shows that while Boko Haram’s influence may have waned, the threat of extremism in Nigeria remains dangerously alive.

References:

• SITE Intelligence Group: www.siteintelgroup.com

• Nigerian Army Press Statement, April 2025

• United Nations OCHA Reports

• U.S. Department of State – Terrorist Designations

Last Updated on April 22, 2025 by kingstar