By Harriet Tornguvan
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mairari, Borno State, destroying two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) and inflicting heavy casualties on the assailants.
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the terrorists attempted to breach the base using two VBIEDs. Both explosive-laden vehicles were detected early and neutralised by the troops, preventing any penetration of the facility.
According to the statement, CCTV footage and field reports confirmed that several terrorists were killed during the encounter, while many others sustained serious injuries. Surviving fighters were observed evacuating their dead and wounded from the scene.
Following the failed assault, troops of OPHK Sector 3, supported by the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Group, the Nigeria Police Crack Team and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), conducted a comprehensive exploitation of the area. The operation resulted in the recovery of several terrorist bodies, as well as weapons, ammunition and logistics abandoned during the retreat.
Items recovered included AK-47 rifles, magazines and assorted ammunition, PKT rounds, hand grenades, motorcycles, communication equipment, combat gear and medical supplies, further degrading the terrorists’ operational capability in the area.
The two neutralised VBIEDs were destroyed by defensive fire, causing damage to sections of the road leading to the base. However, no breach of the FOB was recorded, underscoring the vigilance, preparedness and resilience of the troops.
Troops have since intensified aggressive patrols in and around Mairari to prevent further attacks and reassure residents of a sustained security presence.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to defeating all terrorist elements and restoring lasting peace and stability in the North East, noting that the failed attack highlights the professionalism and operational readiness of Nigerian troops in the theatre.
