Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised scores of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists during an attempted infiltration of the Naval Base at Lake Chad Fish Dam in the early hours of Tuesday.
The coordinated land, maritime, and air operation thwarted what security sources described as a “targeted and deliberate attack” aimed at destroying newly acquired Swamp Bogeys procured by the Borno State Government for clearing water channels around the Lake Chad Basin.
According to military sources, the attack began around 2 a.m. when the terrorists launched an aggressive push to penetrate the base. They met stiff resistance from naval personnel stationed at the base, who swiftly called for reinforcements from the Nigerian Army outpost in Baga.
A fierce firefight ensued, lasting more than two hours. Despite their efforts, the insurgents were unable to breach the facility or reach the targeted equipment. Multiple terrorist fighters were reportedly neutralised, and several Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials were recovered at the scene.
Security officials confirmed that while the terrorists failed in their primary objective, they managed a minimal incursion resulting in the destruction of an ambulance and two other vehicles. Some security personnel sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention.
The Nigerian Air Force has since deployed combat aircraft to conduct follow-up pursuit and exploitation operations along the waterways in a bid to further decimate the fleeing insurgents and prevent regrouping.
The attempted breach comes amid intensified military operations across the Lake Chad region aimed at dismantling remaining terrorist strongholds and ensuring the safety of ongoing developmental projects, including efforts to improve navigation and access in the swampy terrain.
