Three commanders of the ISWAP terrorist group have been killed by troops of the Nigerian military during the terrorists’ attempted ambush in Cross-Kauwa, at the lake Chad region.

They were identified as Modu Dogo Munzir of Dogon Chukun, an unidentified Munzir, and one Abu Aisha, Qaid of Tumbun Mota.

Eight other terrorists were also neutralized in the foiled ambush which saw the terrorists detonate a command improvised explosive device on Monday.

According to Operation Hadin Kai Theater Command, troops of Sector 3 were on a scanning and picketing patrol along Baga-Cross Kauwa, a known supply route of the terrorists in Kukawa Local Government Area.

“In the first encounter on 15 September 2025, at about 8:00am, troops of Sector 3 on a scanning and picketing patrol along the Baga–Cross Kauwa Main Supply Route in Kukawa Local Government Area were ambushed by terrorists who detonated a Command Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and opened fire on the patrol team” a statement from the Theater Command reads.

It added that a gun battle ensued after the bomb blast, forcing the terrorists to flee with varying degrees of injuries leading to the recovery of 14 motorcycles, AK-47 rifles with magazines, rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, anti-aircraft, several blankets and other sundry items including drugs.

The Theater Command also stated that two gun trucks that could not be extricated due to terrain conditions were subsequently destroyed around Alargarno and Doro Naira, with additional terrorists neutralised by the Air Component of OPHK with precision guidance support from the Multi-National Joint TaskForce Intelligence Support Response platform.

The theater says no casualty was recorded in the operation on the part of the government troops.

Troops of Sector 1 along with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and hunters conducted offensive operations at Umbo in Madagali LGA of Adamawa State at about the same time the ambush in Kukawa was taking place.

In the encounter, three other terrorists were neutralised, while several others fled with gunshot wounds.

The Troops recovered AK-47 rifles, several rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and one Itel mobile phone from the scene. (Channels TV)