ISWAP Claims Raid on Nigerian Army Positions in Borno, Displaying Captured Weapons in Propaganda Release

Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants released propaganda materials on February 5, 2026, claiming a successful raid on Nigerian Army positions in Borno State.

The images, disseminated through jihadist Telegram channels and analyzed by independent open-source researchers, show a range of captured military hardware displayed as trophies.

The photographs feature blue motorcycles – a common transport mode used by insurgents – alongside the seized weapons, suggesting the raid targeted one or more remote army camps or forward operating bases (FOBs). Independent researcher @war_noir on X was among the first to analyze the images, noting diversity in the captured arsenal.

Captured Arsenal Breakdown

The displayed items reflect a mix of origins typical in African conflict zones:

• Israeli Soltam CO6 120mm Mortar: A heavy indirect-fire weapon likely procured through legitimate defense acquisitions.

• Bulgarian RTB-7MA Thermobaric Rocket: A fuel-air explosive round for RPG-7 launchers, known for devastating effects in enclosed spaces.

• Chinese Type 56 Rifles: AK-47 variants widely proliferated through historical and black-market flows.

• PG-7V and PG-9V Anti-Tank Rockets: Standard Soviet-designed projectiles capable of penetrating armored vehicles.

Impact: These weapons, if verified as captured, significantly enhance ISWAP’s firepower and its ability to engage military convoys and outposts from a distance.

Context: The “Supercamp” Strategy

The timing of the release suggests the raid likely occurred on February 4 or early February 5, 2026. ISWAP has increasingly employed “supercamp”-style raids—coordinated, large-scale assaults on isolated outposts designed to overrun defenses, loot supplies, and withdraw before reinforcements arrive.

Recent Gains by Nigerian Troops

The Nigerian Army has dismissed these displays as “desperate propaganda, stating that forces under Operation Hadin Kai have recorded significant successes:

• Jan 30–31, 2026: Troops eliminated Abu Khalid, the Second-in-Command of Boko Haram in Sambisa Forest, along with 10 other terrorists.

• Jan 29, 2026: Neutralization of key commander Julaibib in the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle.

• Recovered Items: Five AK-47 rifles, magazines, food supplies, and medical consumables were seized during these clearance operations.

Summary