Residents of Gaidam in Yobe State were thrown into panic on Monday after suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) launched an attack on the town, leading to a fierce gun battle with Nigerian troops.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed that soldiers are actively engaging the insurgents following the assault. He stated that troops responded swiftly and are involved in an intense exchange of gunfire with the attackers.
A video shared on social media late Monday captured chaotic scenes in the town, with heavy gunshots heard in the background. The footage claimed that the insurgents had infiltrated Gaidam and set the town’s modern market on fire.
Reports indicate that many residents fled their homes as gunfire echoed across different parts of the community. Security forces were said to have mobilised quickly in an effort to repel the attackers.
As of the time of this report, the Nigerian military had not released an official statement confirming casualties or detailing the extent of the destruction.
Gaidam, located in northern Yobe State, has experienced repeated attacks by insurgent groups operating around the Lake Chad region. In recent months, ISWAP has intensified assaults targeting both military formations and civilian communities.
The latest incident highlights the ongoing security challenges facing parts of North-East Nigeria, despite assurances from authorities that insurgent groups have been significantly weakened.
In a related development in November 2025, the Nigerian Army reported that troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade survived an ambush near Wajiroko in the Azir–Multe axis of Damboa Local Government Area in Borno State. The patrol team, led by Brigadier General M. Uba, had been returning from a clearance operation around the outskirts of Sambisa Forest when insurgents opened fire, resulting in a fierce confrontation.
According to a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, the troops, alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to retreat.
However, the Army confirmed that two soldiers and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force lost their lives during the encounter.
Investigations and security operations in Gaidam are ongoing as residents remain anxious over the situation.
