Troops Repel Terrorist Attacks on Gajiram, Mairari, as JAS Commander, Fighter Surrender
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled terrorist attacks on two Forward Operating Bases in Borno State, killing four terrorists and recovering weapons and ammunition.
The attacks occurred at Gajiram in Nganzai Local Government Area and Mairari in Guzamala LGA, while sustained military pressure also forced two Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists, including a commander, to surrender.
According to a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Capt. Mohammed Goni, troops detected terrorists advancing towards the Gajiram FOB on September 17 with support from Multinational Joint Task Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets.
The troops adopted defensive measures while the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided close air support, forcing the terrorists to withdraw from the area.
Later that night, ISWAP terrorists attacked the Mairari FOB but met stiff resistance from troops and sustained air support.
The military said the attack was successfully contained, with four terrorist bodies subsequently recovered during exploitation operations.
Troops also recovered AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition, RPG bombs and a camcorder, among other items.
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Some soldiers sustained injuries during the engagement and were stabilised before being airlifted to hospital for further medical attention.
The Commander, Sector 3, Operation HADIN KAI, subsequently visited the affected locations to assess the situation, commend the troops and coordinate follow-up operations.
The military said the locations were reinforced while troops continued operations in the surrounding areas to prevent the terrorists from regrouping.
In a related development, two JAS terrorists, including a Qaid (commander), surrendered to troops of Sector 1, Operation HADIN KAI, along the Miyanti-Darel Jamel axis in Bama LGA.
The terrorists surrendered on the night of September 16 with three AK-47 rifles, five magazines, a motorcycle and a cache of ammunition.
They are currently in military custody undergoing preliminary investigation and profiling, according to the statement.
The Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, commended the troops, MNJTF ISR team and aircrew for their vigilance, courage and coordination.
Ajose reaffirmed the military’s determination to sustain pressure on terrorist elements and protect communities across the North-East.
He also urged terrorists still in the bush to lay down their arms and surrender through established channels, while calling on members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security forces.
By PRNigeria
