- Safiu Kehinde
No fewer than 60 suspected Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) have been neutralised by troops of Operation HADIN KAI during a foiled attack on the 68 Battalion, Mobile Defence Area at Mallam Fatori in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno state.
The military, in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, said the terrorists had launched an attack on the base on Tuesday evening.
According to the report, the assault originated from Duguri General Area, with the frontage of one Bravo Company targeted by the terrorists who were on foot with armed drones.
The Joint Task Force (JTF), in conjunction with air assets, quickly countered the drones and forced the terrorists to withdraw in disarray towards Arege General Area.
“Initial assessments indicate over 60 terrorists were neutralised during the operation, while four soldiers sustained minor injuries.” The report read.
The military confirmed that follow-up intelligence and surveillance operations are ongoing, with six suspected terrorist groups sighted moving towards Arege.
It added that exploitation of the area is planned to consolidate gains and prevent further attacks.
A video clip released by the JTF shows the aftermath of the airstrike, underscoring the operational readiness and precision of troops in the North East.
The JTF reiterated its commitment to protecting civilians and maintaining pressure on terrorist networks across Borno and surrounding states.