Troops foil ISWAP attack in Borno, neutralise dozens of insurgents

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) successfully repelled a major attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in New Marte, Borno State, neutralising several insurgents and recovering weapons, vehicles, and explosives.

According to a statement released by the Nigerian Army on Tuesday, the foiled attack occurred in the early hours of May 27, when ISWAP terrorists attempted to infiltrate the troops’ defensive position.

A fierce gun battle followed, prompting the swift mobilisation of reinforcements from the 24th Task Force Brigade Garrison and the 134th Special Forces Battalion. Their coordinated response led to the overwhelming defeat of the attackers.

The operation resulted in the recovery of a cache of arms, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices, dealing a significant blow to the terrorist group’s operational capacity in the region.

Capt. Reuben Kovangiya, the acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command of OPHK, said in a statement that the troops were supported by the Air Component of OPHK, which provided real-time intelligence, surveillance and offensive air strikes.

According to him, the air strikes destroyed several motorcycles used by the fleeing insurgents, while ground troops recovered a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) SUV abandoned during the terrorists’ retreat.

Kovangiya said, “exploitation of the area led to the recovery of the VBIED and discovery of lifeless bodies of terrorists.

“Blood trails were also observed along their withdrawal routes, indicating additional casualties.”

He added that two soldiers died during the encounter, noting that their sacrifice would not be in vain.

In a related development, troops also repelled another attack on a Forward Operating Base in Kumshe, where several terrorists were killed in a fierce confrontation.

The Theatre Command said the operations reflect improved synergy between ground forces and the Air Component, reaffirming troops’ commitment to denying terrorists freedom of action and restoring peace to the North-East.

The acting deputy director reiterated the troops’ determination to sustain the momentum against terrorism, in line with the mandate of Operation HADIN KAI.

(NAN)