- Safiu Kehinde
Troops attached to the Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have foiled a coordinated attack targeted on its Forward Operating Base (FOB) by the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Mairari, Borno State.
As disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the OPHK’s Meida Information Officer, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the terrorists launched the assault in the late hours of Friday.
Th assault, which extended into the early hours of Saturday, was thwarted through coordinated ground and air operations.
According to Sani, the terrorists attempted to breach the base using two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs).
They were however detected and effectively neutralised during the counter-attack by the troop which left scores of the ISWAP members nuetralised.
“Both devices were promptly detected and neutralised by the troops, 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.
“Following the failed assault, OPHK troops of Sector 3, supported by the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Group, Nigeria Police Crack Team, and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), conducted a thorough exploitation of the area.
“The operation led to the discovery of multiple terrorist casualties and the seizure of weapons, ammunition, and logistics abandoned during their retreat.” The statement partly read.
Recovered items after the attack included AK-47 rifles, magazines and ammunition, PKT rounds, hand grenades, motorcycles, communication devices, combat gear, medical supplies, and other materials indicative of sustained terrorist operations.
While disclosing that the two neutralised VBIEDs destroyed by OPHK defensive fire caused damage to two points along the road, the troop confirmed that there was no breach of the FOB.
The troops reaffirmed their commitment to decisively defeat all terrorist elements and restore lasting peace and stability across the North East.