ISWAP Suffers Heavy Losses as Troops Repel Multiple Attacks on Military Bases in Borno
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled coordinated attacks by ISWAP fighters across several locations in Borno State, killing scores of insurgents in fierce engagements.
The attacks, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, targeted military positions in Njimtilo, Baga, Buratai and Damboa in what security sources described as a multi-pronged offensive aimed at overrunning troops and gaining propaganda advantage.
According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the terrorists launched the assaults from multiple directions but were met with strong resistance from troops who had anticipated the હુમ move and adopted a deliberate offensive-defensive posture.
At Ajiri Cross, near Njimtilo, troops of Sector 1 reportedly detected the advancing insurgents early and engaged them with coordinated firepower, disrupting their formation and cutting off withdrawal routes.
“The terrorists were routed and forced into a disorganised retreat while suffering heavy casualties,” the statement said.
Similar attacks in Baga, Buratai and Damboa were also repelled as troops brought superior firepower to bear on the attackers, with support from air assets.
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The Air Component, alongside the Nigerian Army Aviation, provided close air support, carrying out precision strikes that further dislodged the insurgents and inflicted additional losses as they attempted to flee.
Military authorities disclosed that several terrorists were neutralised during the encounters, including a key commander who led the attack in Buratai, while many others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Despite the intensity of the clashes, troops maintained control of all targeted locations and have since commenced exploitation operations to track down fleeing fighters and clear surrounding areas.
During follow-up operations around Baga, extending to Korochara and Garin Giwa, troops recovered a cache of weapons and equipment, including PKT machine guns, AK-47 rifles, ammunition and rocket-propelled grenade bombs.
Other items recovered included motorcycles used by the insurgents, which were subsequently destroyed, as well as personal effects believed to belong to the fleeing fighters.
Security sources added that at least seven bodies of insurgents were recovered, while dozens more were reportedly buried in shallow graves by their colleagues during the retreat.
The military said the failed attacks underscored the growing desperation of insurgent elements under sustained pressure from ongoing operations in the North-East.
It assured that troops remain in high morale and fully committed to sustaining offensive operations aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves and restoring lasting peace in the region.
By PRNigeria
