At least 12 persons have been reportedly killed following an attack by suspected fighters of Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP) in Kilargar, Askira-Uba LGA of Borno state.

According to military sources, the insurgents invaded the community on Sunday evening, while many residents ran into nearby bushes for refuge.

Troops of the Nigerian Army are said to have repelled the attack, alongside airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) — killing many of the insurgents in the process.

It is not clear if troops suffered casualties in the counter-attack as of the time of filing this report.

Askira-Uba LGA has witnessed several attacks by insurgents in recent years.

In November, Dzarma Zirkusu, a brigadier-general and three soldiers of the Nigerian Army were killed when suspected ISWAP fighters invaded the community.

Zirkusu and the soldiers were ambushed while heading to Askira to provide support for the troops battling the insurgents who had attacked the community.

The Cable