A major Islamic State West Africa Province commander has been killed and one of his fighters captured alive after troops of Operation Hadin Kai foiled a coordinated assault on Kukareta community in Borno State.

The commander, identified as Abu Umar Bundi Munzir, was among 25 insurgents taken out when ISWAP militants launched a night-time attack on the community, located along the Damaturu–Maiduguri axis, a corridor long targeted by jihadist groups seeking to disrupt civilian movement and military logistics.

Security sources and military briefings indicate that the terrorists moved on Kukareta shortly after midnight, attempting to overwhelm defensive positions with sustained gunfire and heavy weapons. Troops of Sector 2 responded with a counter-offensive that lasted several hours, engaging the attackers in close and accurate fire until about 3 a.m.

During the battle, Munzir, believed to have coordinated several previous ambushes and raids in the region, was confirmed killed as his fighters came under intense pressure. The surviving ISWAP member was captured after the militants began a chaotic retreat, abandoning weapons and equipment while trying to exfiltrate the area under fire.

Following the engagement, troops conducted a systematic exploitation of the battlefield. They recovered a significant cache of weapons, including 18 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns, two PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns and three rocket-propelled grenade launchers.

Also recovered were two mortar tubes, four hand grenades, 18 AK-47 magazines and large quantities of belted 7.62mm ammunition, indicating that the attackers had prepared for a prolonged confrontation but were unable to sustain their offensive under military pressure.

Military sources said two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the firefight and have been stabilised at a medical facility. An armoured reinforcement vehicle also suffered tyre damage but remained operational.

Troops have since launched follow-up operations along suspected withdrawal routes, tracking blood trails and discarded medical supplies believed to have been used by fleeing insurgents. The aim is to locate additional bodies, capture wounded fighters and recover more equipment.

Commanders in the North-East theatre describe the operation as a significant setback for ISWAP, stressing that continued offensive action, intelligence-led patrols and rapid response to threats are central to denying insurgents freedom of movement and protecting vulnerable communities across Borno and neighbouring states.