Military Foils ISWAP Attack, Neutralizes 15 Terrorists, Loses 4 Soldiers in Borno
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on Ngamdu, in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, killing at least 15 insurgents and uncovering their mass grave.
According to reliable military sources, the attack—which occurred in the early hours of Friday—was one of the most daring but disastrous offensives launched by ISWAP in recent times. The terrorists attempted to overrun military positions through a three-pronged assault but were decisively defeated by the troops.
The terrorists reportedly began their offensive from the Gonori axis around 3 a.m. in an apparent diversionary move to distract the soldiers. The troops, however, swiftly responded and forced the attackers to retreat with heavy casualties.
A second wave of attack was launched along the Maiduguri–Damaturu highway using command Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and rocket-propelled grenades. Despite the ferocity of the assault, troops advancing from Benisheikh broke through the ambush, although one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle sustained damage to its engine and tyres.
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The third and final flank of the assault targeted Alpha Company’s defensive position near the main supply route. Although the terrorists briefly infiltrated the outer perimeter, the soldiers held their ground and engaged them in close-quarter combat, neutralizing several of the attackers.
Military sources confirmed that four soldiers paid the supreme price while three others sustained injuries during the encounter.
Intelligence reports later indicated that the terrorists conducted a mass burial for 15 of their slain fighters at Bula Wura village near Wasaram, less than 24 hours after the failed assault.
“The attack was well-coordinated, but our response was even more professional. The terrorists came in waves, but our troops stood firm and inflicted heavy losses on them,” one of the military sources told Zagazola Makama.
Following the encounter, the military intensified clearance operations along the Maiduguri–Damaturu highway after discovering that the terrorists had planted IEDs to obstruct reinforcements. The route was temporarily closed to allow for demining operations and ensure the safety of commuters.
As the Nigerian military continues to assert dominance in the North-East theatre of operations, local communities have begun expressing renewed confidence in the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, which have resulted in a steady decline in insurgent attacks along major highways and rural settlements in recent months.
By PRNigeria
