Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully foiled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province,ISWAP, terrorists on the Forward Operating Base Mairari in Borno State, dealing a significant blow to the group’s operational capacity in the area.
The attack, which began late on Friday night and extended into the early hours, was thwarted through coordinated ground and air operations by Nigerian troops.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, said the terrorists attempted to breach the base using two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices,VBIEDs.
He said the devices were promptly detected and neutralised by alert troops before they could penetrate the base, preventing what could have been a major security breach.
Uba said CCTV footage and observations from the field confirmed that several terrorists were killed during the failed assault, while many others sustained serious injuries. He added that surviving fighters were seen evacuating their dead and wounded from the area.
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 , launched a comprehensive exploitation operation around the area.
The operation resulted in the discovery of multiple terrorist casualties and the recovery of weapons, ammunition, and logistics abandoned during the retreat.
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Items recovered included AK-47 rifles, magazines and ammunition, PKT rounds, hand grenades, motorcycles, communication devices, combat gear, medical supplies, and other materials pointing to sustained terrorist activity in the area.
Uba said the seizure of the equipment and logistics had further weakened the terrorists’ operational strength and restricted their freedom of movement within the area.
He added that the two neutralised VBIEDs were destroyed by defensive fire from OPHK troops, causing damage to two points along the road, but stressed that there was no breach of the FOB.
“The outcome of this engagement highlights the preparedness, vigilance, and resilience of the troops,” he said.
Uba noted that aggressive patrols were ongoing in and around Mairari to prevent further terrorist activity and reassure local communities of the military’s continued presence.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the troops to defeating all terrorist elements in the North-East and restoring lasting peace and stability across the region.
“The failed attack at Mairari underscores the operational readiness and professionalism of our men and women in uniform,” Uba said, adding that OPHK troops remain focused on protecting civilians, dismantling terrorist networks, and restoring peace across the region.
NAN
