Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a coordinated attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province on a Forward Operating Base in Mairari, Borno State, killing several of the assailants.
The attempted assault occurred late Friday night and extended into the early hours of Saturday.
According to the military, the terrorists tried to breach the base using two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices, but both were detected and neutralised before they could cause significant damage.
Confirming the incident in a statement, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, Lt Col Sani Uba, said the troops responded swiftly through coordinated ground and air operations.
“Troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled a coordinated ISWAP attack on a Forward Operating Base in Mairari, dealing a significant blow to the group’s operational capability in the area,” Uba said.
He explained that the VBIEDs were destroyed by defensive fire, preventing any breach of the facility.
“CCTV footage and field observations confirmed that several terrorists were killed, while others sustained serious injuries as surviving elements evacuated their dead and wounded,” he added.
Following the failed attack, troops of Sector 3, supported by the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Group, the Nigeria Police Crack Team and the Civilian Joint Task Force, carried out a clearance operation in the area.
According to Lt Col Uba, the follow-up operation led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition and other logistics abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
Items recovered included AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition, PKT rounds, hand grenades, motorcycles, communication gadgets, combat gear and medical supplies.
“These recoveries have further degraded the terrorists’ operational capacity and denied them freedom of action in the area,” he said.
He noted that although the destruction of the VBIEDs caused damage to parts of the road, there was no breach of the base, underscoring the alertness and preparedness of the troops.
“Troops are currently conducting aggressive patrols to prevent further terrorist activity and reassure local communities of the sustained security presence,” Uba stated.
Reaffirming the military’s commitment, he said Operation Hadin Kai remains focused on protecting civilians, disrupting terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace in the North-East.
“The failed attack at Mairari highlights the professionalism and resilience of our troops. We remain resolute in decisively defeating all terrorist elements in the region,” he added.
