Nigerian troops have foiled a coordinated ISWAP assault on a military base in Borno State, repelling terrorists who attacked from two fronts at about 2 a.m. and recovering AK-47 rifles, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and other combat equipment.
A file photo of Nigerian troops in transit.
The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, has recorded yet another decisive operational success as troops of 162 Amphibious Battalion decisively defeated an attempted ISWAP terrorist attack on their location at Forward Operating Base Mandaragirau, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
A statement by Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri, Mohammed Goni, on Saturday, noted that the feat was recorded at about 2:00 AM on Saturday, when the terrorists launched a simultaneous assault on the location from two fronts.
According to the statement, on detecting the advancing terrorists from emplaced early warning and surveillance systems, a combat team was promptly dispatched to interdict the terrorists along one of the axes of advance.
Contact was made, resulting in a heavy exchange of fire during which the combat team decisively defeated the attackers on that front, the statement noted.
“The second group of terrorists attempted to bypass the ambush team and infiltrate the camp, but they were equally met with superior firepower and successfully defeated.
“The coordinated and aggressive response forced the insurgents to withdraw in confusion, after which troops immediately launched a hot pursuit and thoroughly exploited the contact area as well as their withdrawal routes.
“In a clear demonstration of tactical proficiency and combat dominance, the troops neutralised several terrorists and recovered a substantial quantity of equipment comprising AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with bombs and chargers, one camcorder video camera and several other combat enablers.
“Subsequent footage obtained from the surveillance systems further showed the terrorists dragging several bodies of their cohorts killed towards the Timbuktu Triangle. Notably, no single casualty among our troops.
“The successful defeat of this multi-pronged attack further highlights the high state of readiness, aggressive posture, and operational effectiveness of OPHK troops with the additional impetus from the military high command”, the statement noted.
The Theatre Command commended the leadership, courage, and professionalism of troops of 162 Amphibious Battalion for their exceptional bravery and tactical excellence in decisively defeating the terrorists’ assault.
Operation HADIN KAI said it remained resolute in its determination to dominate the battlespace, deny terrorists freedom of action, and restore lasting peace and security across the North East.
