The Nigerian Army has repelled a coordinated ISWAP assault on a Nigerian Army forward base in Borno State, with troops defeating attackers advancing from two directions, and neutralising several terrorists.
The Army Officers also recovered weapons and other combat equipment without recording any casualties among their ranks.
This was disclosed by the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, through the Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni.
According to Capt. Goni, the attempted attack on Forward Operating Base Mandaragirau in Biu Local Government Area began at about 02:00 hours on 15 August, when ISWAP terrorists launched a simultaneous assault on the base from two fronts.
“Early-warning and surveillance systems detected the advancing fighters, enabling troops to deploy a combat team to intercept one axis before the attackers could reach the position.
“The resulting engagement developed into a heavy exchange of fire in which the troops defeated the attacking group.
“A second group attempted to bypass the interception force and infiltrate the base but encountered equally strong resistance and was forced to withdraw under sustained fire.
” Troops immediately pursued the retreating terrorists and exploited both the contact area and their withdrawal routes. Several terrorists were neutralised, while the troops recovered AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with bombs and chargers, a camcorder and other combat-enabling equipment.
Surveillance footage according to the statement, subsequently provided further evidence of the impact of the engagement, showing terrorists dragging away several bodies of their colleagues towards the Timbuktu Triangle. The operation recorded no casualties among the Nigerian troops.
“The outcome is significant beyond the immediate defence of the Mandaragirau position. The ability to detect the assault before infiltration, engage attackers on separate axes and pursue them after their withdrawal demonstrates the value of layered surveillance, rapid tactical response and aggressive exploitation in protecting forward operating bases from complex terrorist attacks.”
The Theatre Command commended the troops of 162 Amphibious Battalion for their courage, professionalism and tactical proficiency, while reaffirming its commitment to dominating the battlespace and sustaining operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East.
