Troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, have repelled an attack by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province on a Forward Operating Base in Mairari, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.
The military disclosed that the terrorists launched the attack on the base on July 1 at about 11:25 p.m. but were forced to retreat after a fierce gun battle in which they suffered heavy casualties.
This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni.
According to the statement, troops of CIB XIX stationed at the Forward Operating Base responded with what it described as exceptional gallantry, maintaining control of the location throughout the encounter.
“The troops responded with exceptional gallantry, engaging the attackers in a fierce firefight and forcing them to withdraw in confusion after inflicting heavy casualties on the terrorists and destroying their equipment,” the statement read.
Items recovered after the encounter included AK-47 rifles, magazines loaded with ammunition and Rocket Propelled Grenade tubes, among other combat equipment.
The military added that surveillance footage confirmed that the fleeing insurgents evacuated several of their dead and wounded fighters from the battlefield.
Operation HADIN KAI said the attack appeared to be aimed at disrupting the resettlement of Mairari community, where more than 950 households had recently returned.
“The attack was a desperate attempt by the terrorists to instil fear among residents and disrupt the ongoing resettlement process. However, their objective was thwarted and no civilian casualties were recorded,” the statement added.
The military, however, disclosed that two soldiers and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force were killed during the exchange of fire.
“Regrettably, two soldiers and one member of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme price during the intense encounter. The Theatre Command mourns these gallant heroes and extends its heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones,” it stated.
It added that some equipment was also damaged by rocket-propelled grenade fire during the attack.
The statement further disclosed that a reinforcement team from Monguno detected and safely detonated two improvised explosive devices planted along the route before engaging the fleeing terrorists.
“The swift intervention further disrupted the insurgents’ withdrawal and inflicted additional casualties on them,” it said.
Commending the troops, the Theatre Command described the operation as evidence of their resilience and operational readiness.
“Despite the terrorists’ desperate attempt to overrun the location, the troops maintained full control of the base and continue to dominate the operational environment through sustained offensive operations,” the statement added.
The command reiterated its commitment to defeating terrorism and restoring lasting peace, security and stability across the North-East.
