Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have repelled an attempted attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Borno State.
The attack occurred at about 2 a.m. on Saturday when the insurgents launched a coordinated assault on FOB Mandaragirau in Biu Local Government Area from two separate fronts.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Mohammed Goni, said the troops detected the advancing terrorists through early-warning and surveillance systems.
He said a combat team was immediately deployed to intercept the attackers along one of the identified routes.
According to the statement, the troops engaged the terrorists in a heavy exchange of fire and successfully repelled the assault on that axis.
“The second group of terrorists attempted to bypass the ambush team and infiltrate the camp, but they were equally met with superior firepower and successfully defeated.
“The coordinated and aggressive response forced the insurgents to withdraw in confusion, after which troops immediately launched a hot pursuit and thoroughly exploited the contact area as well as their withdrawal routes.
“In a clear demonstration of tactical proficiency and combat dominance, the troops neutralised several terrorists and recovered a substantial quantity of equipment comprising AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with bombs and chargers, one camcorder video camera and several other combat enablers,” the statement said.
The military added that subsequent footage obtained from surveillance systems showed the terrorists dragging the bodies of several of their colleagues killed during the encounter towards the Timbuktu Triangle.
It said no casualty was recorded among the troops.
The military described the operation as a demonstration of the troops’ preparedness and ability to respond effectively to coordinated terrorist attacks.
“The successful defeat of this multi-pronged attack further highlights the high state of readiness, aggressive posture and operational effectiveness of OPHK troops, with the additional impetus from the military high command,” the statement added.
The Theatre Command commended troops of the 162 Amphibious Battalion for their courage, professionalism and tactical effectiveness in repelling the attack.
Operation HADIN KAI also reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups, restricting their freedom of movement and restoring lasting peace and security across Nigeria’s North-East.