In the early hours of Monday, Izge village in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State became the epicenter of a violent confrontation between Nigerian troops and Boko Haram insurgents, resulting in the death of a military captain, a corporal, and several terrorists.
The attack, which occurred at about 1 a.m., was a calculated offensive by Boko Haram fighters who stormed the military post in Izge, located just 20 kilometers from Gwoza town and close to the notorious Sambisa Forest — a long-standing hideout for insurgents. Armed with Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and heavy weaponry, the terrorists launched a direct assault on troops under Operation Hadin Kai, sparking a fierce gun battle that raged into the early hours of the day.
Local sources described the encounter as one of the most intense in recent weeks. The insurgents, reportedly numbering in the dozens, were met with stiff resistance not only from the military but also from courageous residents of Izge. Community vigilantes and local hunters quickly mobilized and fought alongside the soldiers, refusing to allow the terrorists to overrun their village.
The coordinated defense ultimately forced the insurgents to retreat into the dense forest, leaving behind casualties and ammunition. The military is said to have launched a pursuit operation aimed at flushing out the remnants of the attackers from the surrounding area.
Izge village has historically been vulnerable due to its proximity to Sambisa Forest, often making it a target for terrorist operations. Monday's attack serves as another grim reminder of the ongoing insurgency plaguing the region, but it also highlights the growing synergy between security forces and local communities determined to resist extremist violence.
As of press time, military authorities are yet to issue an official statement, though sources confirmed the identities of the slain personnel were being withheld pending notification of their families.
The resilience shown by the people of Izge is being hailed as a model of civil-military cooperation in the region’s long battle against terror.