Troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mairari, Borno State, killing several terrorists in the process.
Confirming the attack on Saturday, Lt Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, said the militants attempted to breach the base using two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs), both of which were promptly detected and neutralised.
“The assault, which began late on December 12 and continued into the early hours of December 13, was thwarted through coordinated ground and air operations,” the statement read.
“CCTV footage and field observations confirmed 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, the Nigeria Police Crack Team, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), conducted a thorough search of the area.
This operation led to the recovery of multiple terrorist casualties and the seizure of weapons, ammunition, and other logistics abandoned during the militants’ retreat.
Items recovered 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.
Lt Colonel Uba added that the two neutralised VBIEDs were destroyed by defensive fire, causing damage to two points along the road, and emphasised that there was no breach of the FOB.
He noted that troops are conducting aggressive patrols in the area to prevent further attacks and reassure local communities.
“The failed attack at Mairari underscores the operational readiness and professionalism of our men and women in uniform,” he said.
“Operation Hadin Kai remains committed to protecting civilians, disrupting terrorist networks, and restoring peace across the North East.”
