Troops under Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled a coordinated assault by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on a Forward Operating Base in Mairari, Borno State, killing several of the attackers.
The incident occurred late on Friday night and stretched into the early hours of Saturday. According to the military, the terrorists attempted to force their way into the base using two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs).
Confirming the development, the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force North East, Lt Col Sani Uba, said the explosive-laden vehicles were detected in time and neutralised by troops before they could breach the facility.
He explained that coordinated ground and air responses were immediately activated, leading to heavy losses for the attackers. Surveillance footage and field reports showed that many terrorists were killed, while others sustained serious injuries as the surviving fighters evacuated their casualties.
Following the failed attack, troops from Sector 3 of Operation Hadin Kai, with support from the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Group, the Nigeria Police Crack Team and the Civilian Joint Task Force, conducted a sweep of the surrounding area.
The operation resulted in the recovery of weapons, ammunition and logistics abandoned by the fleeing terrorists. Items recovered included AK-47 rifles, magazines, assorted ammunition, PKT rounds, hand grenades, motorcycles, communication gadgets, combat gear and medical supplies, indicating sustained insurgent activity in the area.
Lt Col Uba noted that the destruction of the two VBIEDs caused damage at two points along the road but stressed that the base itself was not breached, reflecting the alertness and preparedness of the troops.
He added that aggressive patrols are ongoing to forestall further attacks and reassure residents of the military’s continued presence.
The military reaffirmed its resolve to dismantle terrorist networks in the North East, protect civilians and restore lasting peace and stability across the region.
