ISWAP claims deadly attacks on troops in viral video

The Islamic State West Africa Province has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on Nigerian security forces and neighbouring countries in a propaganda video circulating online.

The material, written in Arabic and translated into English, was released on Thursday and sighted on X, detailing alleged coordinated attacks involving roadside explosives, ambushes, and assaults on security formations.

Among the claims was an attack on a military patrol in northern Nigeria, where the group alleged that seven soldiers, including a Major, were killed after an improvised explosive device detonated.

“What actually happened was that the roadside bomb exploded directly on the patrol, causing the death of seven soldiers, including an officer with the rank of Major, wounding others, and destroying a four-wheel-drive vehicle,” the publication stated.

Ambush tactics

The group further claimed that another unit attacked an army position near a town’s outskirts in a bid to lure troops into an ambush.

It also alleged that Nigerian troops carried out retaliatory actions on civilian homes near Monguno, accusing them of burning houses for failing to report insurgent movements.

ISWAP described the alleged response as “desperate and uncivilised steps by the army to cover up its repeated failures and heavy losses.”

Regional claims

Beyond Nigeria, the group claimed attacks on police personnel and local militias in both Nigeria and the neighbouring Niger Republic.

It alleged that fighters attacked a checkpoint at the entrance of a city in Niger Republic, killing and wounding security personnel, destroying a vehicle, and seizing weapons.

“Five were killed and wounded, while a four-wheel-drive vehicle was burned and eight machine guns were seized before the fighters returned safely,” the report claimed.

The publication also included claims that 11 attacks were carried out within a week, with 42 vehicles reportedly destroyed or disabled.

Wider propaganda

The material extended beyond West Africa, featuring claims of attacks in Syria, including an alleged assault on a government vehicle near Raqqa.

Security experts have repeatedly warned that such reports are often exaggerated and aimed at advancing the group’s propaganda objectives.

A security source cautioned against taking the claims at face value, noting that insurgent groups frequently use misinformation to amplify their perceived strength.

“These claims should always be treated with caution because terrorists rely heavily on misinformation and psychological warfare,” the source said.