Troops Repel Terrorist Attacks on Borno FOBs, Eliminate 4, Recover AK-47s, RPG Bombs
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have foiled attempted terrorist attacks on two Forward Operating Bases in Borno State, killing four insurgents and recovering weapons and ammunition.
The attacks occurred at Forward Operating Bases in Gajiram, Nganzai Local Government Area, and Mairari, Guzamala LGA, according to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East, Captain Mohammed Goni.
Goni said terrorists advancing towards FOB Gajiram on September 17 were detected early by troops, with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets of the Multinational Joint Task Force supporting the operation.
He said troops immediately adopted defensive measures while the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai provided close air support, forcing the terrorists to withdraw from the vicinity into adjoining areas.
In a related development later that night, several Islamic State West Africa Province fighters attacked FOB Mairari but encountered stiff resistance from troops backed by close air support.
The military said the coordinated response inflicted casualties on the attackers and prevented them from overrunning the base.
“Subsequent exploitation led to the recovery of four terrorists’ corpses, some AK-47 rifles, magazines, quantities of ammunition, RPG bombs and a camcorder, among other items,” the statement said.
It added that some troops sustained injuries during the engagement and were promptly stabilised before being airlifted to hospital for further medical attention.
Following the engagements, the Commander, Sector 3 OPHK, conducted a post-operation assessment of the affected locations and coordinated follow-on measures.
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The bases were subsequently reinforced to consolidate the gains and strengthen their defensive posture, while troops continued operations in adjoining areas to prevent the insurgents from regrouping.
Meanwhile, sustained military pressure across the theatre has also resulted in the surrender of two Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad terrorists, including a Qaid, or commander.
The two insurgents surrendered to troops of Sector 1 OPHK along the Miyanti-Darel Jamel axis of the Main Supply Route in Bama Local Government Area on the night of September 16.
According to the military, the terrorists surrendered with three AK-47 rifles, five magazines, a motorcycle and a cache of ammunition.
They are currently in military custody and undergoing preliminary investigation and profiling in line with established procedures.
The military said the successful defence of the two Forward Operating Bases, recovery of weapons and surrender of terrorist elements reflected the sustained operational pressure being maintained across the North-East theatre.
It added that the operations demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated ground and air operations in restricting the terrorists’ freedom of action and sustaining operational momentum across the Joint Operations Area.
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, commended the troops, MNJTF ISR team and aircrew for their vigilance, courage and coordination during the operations.
Ajose reaffirmed the task force’s determination to maintain pressure on terrorist elements and protect communities across the North-East.
He also urged terrorists still operating in the bush to lay down their arms and surrender through established channels, while appealing to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces.
By PRNigeria
