The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a faction of Boko Haram, has released a graphic video showing the execution of three Nigerian soldiers in Yobe State.
According to reports, the soldiers were captured in the Kamuya and Azare areas of Yobe on March 15, 2025. In the video, the soldiers were seen kneeling in a field, identifying themselves as members of the Nigerian security forces before masked insurgents executed them.
ISWAP has expanded its influence in the Lake Chad region following the death of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau, absorbing many of his former fighters. Despite repeated claims by the Nigerian Army that the insurgency has been largely defeated, ISWAP continues to carry out deadly attacks in Nigeria’s northeast. The group has been responsible for the deaths of over 100,000 people and the displacement of millions across Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states.
ISWAP Fighters Surrender After Military Airstrikes
Meanwhile, in a separate development, several ISWAP fighters have surrendered to security forces in Borno State following devastating airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force, in coordination with Nigerien forces.
On March 17, 2025, precision strikes targeted ISWAP militants in Chettimari, a border town in Niger Republic near Damasak, Borno State. The airstrikes were launched in response to an ISWAP attack on Nigerien troops, which left four soldiers dead and seven others injured.
Nigerien authorities called for assistance, prompting the Nigerian Air Force to deploy two Super Tucano fighter jets, supported by intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets. The air raids inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorists and forced many to surrender.
Intelligence sources confirmed that the surrendered ISWAP fighters were part of a group responsible for multiple attacks in Damasak, Geidam, Mallam Fatori, and Diffa in Niger Republic.
