ISWAP Suicide Attack on Nigerian Army Position in Borno State's Timbuktu Triangle

​NIGERIA - Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) conducted a suicide attack on a Nigerian Army position in the Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State on January 22.

​The group claimed responsibility through propaganda channels, reporting 20 soldiers killed or wounded. Nigerian military sources confirmed heavy fighting but did not specify casualties.

The Timbuktu Triangle, located near Lake Chad, serves as a strategic area for insurgent operations due to its proximity to borders with Chad and Niger. ISWAP has utilized suicide tactics in this region to target military assets. Security forces responded with reinforcements to secure the site.

​​The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack on January 23, 2026, rejecting terrorism and expressing condolences. This diplomatic response reflects international concern over persistent instability in northeastern Nigeria.

On the same day as the attack, the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group convened its inaugural session in Abuja. The meeting addressed Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act. Participants discussed violence against vulnerable populations.

The group emphasized accountability for perpetrators and enhanced counter-terrorism measures. Commitments included operational collaboration and technology sharing to bolster security.

The Nigerian delegation comprised officials from ten ministries, led by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. The U.S. side was represented by Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker and eight federal agencies.

The session reaffirmed bilateral ties based on shared values. The next meeting is set for the United States at a later date.

Recent military actions in Borno State include Nigerian airstrikes on January 19 targeting militants and killing scores. Troops also repelled attacks on January 17, 2026, in Borno and Adamawa states.

​​Official Statements

““The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a military center in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, which resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries among members of the armed forces. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) stressed that the UAE expresses its strong condemnation of these criminal acts and its permanent rejection of all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability. The Ministry expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of Nigeria over this heinous attack, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.” (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, January 23, 2026)

• “Joint Statement at the Conclusion of the First Session of the U.S. Nigeria Joint Working Group on Nigeria’s Country of Particular Concern Designation The Governments of the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Nigeria held the inaugural meeting of the U.S. Nigeria Joint Working Group in Abuja on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The Working Group was established following the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by U.S. President Donald J. Trump under the International Religious Freedom Act. Working in close partnership, the Group aims to reduce violence against vulnerable populations in Nigeria, particularly Christian communities, and to foster an environment in which all Nigerians can freely practice their faith without fear or intimidation from terrorists, separatists, bandits, criminal militias, or other violent actors, regardless of religious affiliation. The Nigerian delegation was led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and comprised representatives from ten ministries and agencies. The United States delegation, made up of officials from eight federal agencies, was led by the Under Secretary of State, Ms. Allison Hooker. Discussions during the session covered a broad range of strategic issues and challenges, with a focus on enhancing cooperation to improve religious freedom and strengthen security nationwide. Both sides reaffirmed the long standing relationship between the two countries, anchored on shared values of pluralism, respect for the rule of law, and national sovereignty. The U.S. delegation welcomed Nigeria’s briefing on the realignment of security resources to address insecurity, particularly in the North Central states. Both governments reiterated their strong and unwavering commitment to upholding religious freedom and agreed on the need to take sustained and coordinated actions to promote and protect freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and freedom of religion or belief for all citizens, in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Participants emphasized the importance of protecting civilians, especially members of vulnerable Christian communities, and ensuring accountability for perpetrators of violence. Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation through enhanced operational collaboration, access to technology, anti money laundering measures, countering the financing of terrorism, and building law enforcement and investigative capacity. The U.S. delegation commended Nigeria for its urgent steps to enhance security for at risk Christian communities and Nigerians of all faiths whose safety is threatened by violence and terrorism. It was agreed that the next meeting of the Working Group will be held in the United States on a mutually agreed date, to be arranged through diplomatic channels. Issued in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Thursday, January 22, 2026.” (U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, January 23, 2026)