Troops of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday night repelled a coordinated attack by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mairari, Borno State, killing several terrorists in the process.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Saturday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North East, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba.
According to him, the terrorists attempted to breach the military base using two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs), but both were detected early and neutralised by the troops.
“Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists on a Forward Operating Base in Mairari, dealing a decisive blow to the group’s operational capability in the area,” the statement said.
Uba explained that the attack, which started late on Friday, Dec. 12, and extended into the early hours of Saturday, Dec. 13, was foiled through coordinated ground and air operations.
“During the assault, terrorists attempted to breach the base using two VBIEDs. Both devices were promptly detected and neutralised, preventing any penetration of the base.
“CCTV footage and field observations confirmed that several terrorists were killed, while others sustained serious injuries as surviving elements evacuated their dead and wounded,” he added.
He further disclosed that 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 (CJTF), conducted a comprehensive exploitation of the area.
The operation, he said, led to the discovery of multiple terrorist casualties and the recovery of weapons, ammunition and logistics abandoned during the retreat.
Items recovered included AK-47 rifles, magazines and ammunition, PKT rounds, hand grenades, motorcycles, communication devices, combat gear, medical supplies and other materials linked to terrorist activities.
“These recoveries have further degraded the terrorists’ operational capacity and denied them freedom of action in the area,” Uba said.
He noted that the two neutralised VBIEDs were destroyed by defensive fire, causing damage to two points along the road, but stressed that there was no breach of the FOB.
“The outcome highlights the preparedness, vigilance and resilience of the troops. Aggressive patrols are ongoing to prevent further terrorist activity and to reassure local communities of sustained security presence,” he added.
Uba assured that Operation Hadin Kai remained committed to decisively defeating all terrorist elements and restoring lasting peace and stability in the North-East.
“The failed attack at Mairari underscores the operational readiness and professionalism of our troops. The protection of civilians and the disruption of terrorist networks remain top priorities,” he said.
