Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters have suffered significant casualties, with at least 15 dead bodies evacuated following a failed midnight assault on Nigerian troops in New Marte, Borno State.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad region, the insurgents launched a coordinated attack on troops in New Marte at approximately 1:35 a.m. on Tuesday.

Makama revealed that the terrorists arrived on approximately 20 motorcycles and were equipped with a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED), which was apparently intended to breach the battalion's defences.

However, the attack was effectively repelled by the combined firepower of Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai, with crucial support from the Nigerian Air Force Air Component.

"The VBIED, meant to cause maximum damage, was abandoned by the terrorists as they fled under sustained fire and aerial bombardment," Makama stated in a post on his X account on Tuesday.

The failed attack represents another setback for ISWAP, which has been attempting to establish control in various parts of northeastern Nigeria, particularly in Borno State.

This incident comes amid ongoing counter-terrorism operations by Nigerian security forces aimed at eliminating terrorist threats in the region and restoring peace to communities affected by insurgency.

Military authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, but the successful defence of New Marte demonstrates the continued effectiveness of Nigeria's counter-insurgency efforts in the Northeast.