Troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully foiled a coordinated attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on a Forward Operating Base in Mairari, Borno State, on Friday night, killing several of the attackers.
The attempted assault was confirmed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, Lt. Colonel Sani Uba. He said the terrorists tried to force their way into the base using two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs).
According to him, the devices were quickly detected and neutralised by the troops, preventing any breach of the facility. The attack, which began late on December 12 and continued into the early hours of December 13, was repelled through a combination of ground and air operations.
Lt. Colonel Uba explained that surveillance footage and reports from the field confirmed that several terrorists were killed, while others sustained serious injuries. The surviving fighters were seen evacuating their dead and wounded after the failed assault.
Following the 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 thorough sweep of the area. The operation led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition and logistics abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
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Items recovered included AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition, PKT rounds, hand grenades, motorcycles, communication gadgets, combat gear and medical supplies, indicating sustained terrorist activity in the area.
Lt. Colonel Uba noted that the two VBIEDs were destroyed by defensive fire, causing damage to sections of the road but leaving the base intact. He stressed that there was no breach of the facility, describing the outcome as a clear demonstration of the troops’ preparedness and resilience.
He added that aggressive patrols are ongoing to prevent further attacks and reassure local communities of the military’s presence.
The military reaffirmed its determination to defeat terrorist groups in the North East, stating that the failed attack highlights the professionalism and operational readiness of troops under Operation Hadin Kai.
