Troops from Operation "HADIN KAI" successfully defended a Forward Operating Base in Mandaragirau, Borno, against a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, was met with a strong response from the troops.
According to Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), the terrorists launched a "half-hearted" assault on the base. However, the troops responded with a coordinated offensive-defensive operation, forcing the insurgents into a disorderly retreat.
Air support and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) were provided by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI to enhance precision strikes. The troops pursued the fleeing insurgents along their withdrawal routes, inflicting further losses.
In the aftermath of the attack, the troops recovered eight bodies within the immediate engagement area, with human intelligence from locals confirming over 30 additional bodies and weapons abandoned along the Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis into the Timbuktu Triangle.
The troops also recovered seven AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, four rocket-propelled grenade bombs, and assorted ammunition. Although one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle was hit by rocket-propelled grenade fire, no fatalities were recorded among the troops, with the injured personnel having been stabilised.
The scale of losses suffered by the insurgents sparked jubilation among local communities, underscoring the sustained dominance of troops in denying terrorists freedom of action in the North-East.
The military's swift response to the ISWAP attack in Borno highlights the importance of sustained operations in maintaining security in the region. The recovery of 38 insurgent bodies and significant amounts of ammunition underscores the troops' resilience and determination. The fact that no fatalities were recorded among the troops is a testament to their training and preparedness. The jubilation among local communities is a welcome development, indicating a shift in the dynamics of the conflict. As the military continues to consolidate its gains, it is crucial that the government prioritises the welfare and support of troops who are working tirelessly to keep the region safe.
