Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have repelled a coordinated attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a Forward Operating Base in Borno State, killing several insurgents and recovering weapons.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Captain Mohammed Goni, the attack occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on Friday at the Forward Operating Base Mandaragirau in Biu Local Government Area.

Goni said the terrorists launched simultaneous attacks from two directions but were detected early through surveillance and warning systems.

He explained that troops immediately deployed a combat team to intercept one group of the attackers, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire in which the terrorists were overpowered.

“A second group attempted to bypass the ambush team and infiltrate the camp but was met with superior firepower and successfully defeated,” he said.

The military spokesman added that the coordinated response forced the insurgents to retreat, prompting troops to launch a pursuit operation and clear the contact area as well as the terrorists’ withdrawal routes.

He disclosed that several terrorists were neutralised during the operation, while troops recovered AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with bombs and chargers, a camcorder video camera, and other combat equipment.

According to him, surveillance footage later showed the fleeing terrorists dragging the bodies of some of their dead fighters towards the Timbuktu Triangle.

Goni said no soldier was killed or injured during the encounter.

He described the successful operation as evidence of the troops’ high level of readiness, professionalism and combat effectiveness.

“The Theatre Command commends the leadership, courage and professionalism of troops of 162 Amphibious Battalion for their exceptional bravery and tactical excellence in decisively defeating the terrorists’ assault,” he said.

He reaffirmed that Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to sustaining offensive operations aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action and restoring lasting peace and security across the North-east.