Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a coordinated attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on a forward operating base near Mairari in Borno State, killing several militants and preventing any breach of the facility.
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The attempted assault occurred late on Friday night and stretched into the early hours of Saturday. According to the Joint Task Force North East, the attackers tried to storm the base using two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs).
Confirming the incident in a statement on Saturday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said the explosives were detected early and neutralised before they could reach the perimeter of the base.
He explained that troops responded swiftly with coordinated ground and air operations, forcing the terrorists to retreat. “The troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled the coordinated ISWAP attack on the Mairari forward operating base, delivering a decisive blow to the group’s ability to operate in the area,” the statement said.
Lt Col Uba disclosed that several terrorists were killed during the exchange, while others sustained injuries as they fled, leaving behind both dead and wounded fighters.
Following the failed assault, troops of Sector 3, supported by the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Group, the Nigeria Police Crack Team and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, carried out a clearance operation around the area. The sweep led to the discovery of additional terrorist casualties and a cache of weapons and supplies abandoned during the retreat.
Items recovered included AK-47 rifles with magazines and ammunition, PKT rounds, hand grenades, motorcycles, communication devices, combat uniforms and medical materials, indicating ongoing terrorist activity in the area.
Lt Col Uba noted that the two VBIEDs were destroyed by defensive fire, causing damage at two points along the road, but stressed that the base remained intact throughout the attack. He described the outcome as evidence of the troops’ alertness and operational readiness.
The military has since intensified patrols around Mairari to deter further attacks and reassure nearby communities of sustained security presence.
Reaffirming the commitment of the armed forces, Lt Col Uba said troops remain resolute in dismantling terrorist networks and restoring peace across the North East, adding that Operation Hadin Kai will continue to prioritise the protection of civilians and the stability of the region.
