Troops of Operation Hadin Kai,OPHK, have successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist attack launched by Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP, fighters on the Forward Operating Base Kangar in Mallam Fatori, Borno State.
The operation, which took place around 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday, saw the insurgents deploy armed drones, rocket-propelled grenades, and mortar shells in an attempt to overwhelm the military base.
In a statement issued by Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, the Military Information Officer for OPHK, the troops, supported by the Sector 3 main battalion, displayed exceptional courage and professionalism, engaging the terrorists in a fierce gun duel that lasted several hours.
“The terrorists attempted to breach the base’s defences but were met with superior firepower and decisive air support from Nigerien fighter aircraft operating under the Multinational Joint Task Force, Uba stated.
The combined air and ground offensive forced the insurgents to flee toward the Tumbun waterways, abandoning the bodies of their fallen fighters along with weapons and equipment.
Recovered items from the scene include:
Five AK-47 rifles, Eight magazines,258 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five RPG bombs, Four armed drone bombs, Five hand grenades,Two bandoliers and an Android phone
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Follow-up airstrikes by the Nigerian and Nigerien air forces reportedly inflicted further heavy casualties on the fleeing terrorists.
A few soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force sustained minor injuries and were promptly evacuated for medical treatment by MNJTF medical teams. They are all reported to be in stable condition.
Lt.-Col. Uba also acknowledged the intelligence and surveillance support provided by the MNJTF, which played a key role in the troops’ swift and effective response.
“The military high command has commended the troops for their gallantry, resilience, and professionalism. Ongoing clearance operations will ensure that terrorists have no safe haven in the region,” Uba said.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability across the North-East through sustained joint operations with regional partners.
