Terrorists launch coordinated attack on military bases, get deadly response

Coordinated attacks launched by terrorists on military formations in parts of Adamawa and Borno states were decisively repelled on Thursday as troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) inflicted heavy casualties on the assailants and forced them to retreat.

The attacks, which occurred in the early hours of January 16, targeted a patrol base at Sabon Gari in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State and the Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Azir in Borno State.

According to a statement by the Acting Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Atokolo, the terrorists attempted to overrun the Sabon Gari patrol base under Sector 4 OPHK but were swiftly engaged by alert troops.

Reinforcements from Gulak and the Battalion Quick Reaction Force were immediately deployed, leading to the successful repulsion of the attackers without any casualty to own troops or loss of equipment. The terrorists were forced to abandon the attack, while the general area was subsequently cleared and scanned for improvised explosive devices and booby traps to ensure safety.

In a related incident the same day, terrorists launched what was described as a large-scale, multi-directional attack on FOB Azir in Borno State, attempting to breach the defensive perimeter of the base.

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However, gallant troops, supported by the Air Component of OPHK and other Nigerian Army aerial platforms, responded with overwhelming firepower. After a prolonged firefight lasting over an hour, the terrorists were overpowered and compelled to withdraw.

During the encounter, rocket-propelled grenade fire from the terrorists affected some troop-carrying vehicles and the CCTV control room, which were partially gutted by fire. Despite the damage, troops maintained control of the situation.

Several weapons and ammunition were recovered from the fleeing terrorists, including a 60mm mortar tube, mortar bombs, locally fabricated explosives, heavy machine gun rounds and hundreds of rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.

The military said the operation did not end at the bases, as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms tracked the withdrawing terrorists, enabling follow-up air strikes along identified routes.

The Nigerian Air Force precision strikes reportedly neutralised additional scores of terrorists, dealing a significant blow to their fighting strength and morale, with exploitation confirming heavy casualties.

Lt. Atokolo said the outcome of the operations underscored the commitment and sacrifices of OPHK personnel in securing lives and protecting the North-East, adding that troops remain resolute in denying terrorists freedom of action until all threats are eliminated.