Troops Repel Coordinated ISWAP Attacks in Borno, Eliminate Scores
Nigerian troops have successfully repelled coordinated attacks by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on multiple military positions across Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the insurgents, security sources have confirmed.
The attacks, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, targeted military formations in Maiduguri, Damboa, Baga, and Buratai, but were thwarted by troops of Operation Hadin Kai supported by other security and local forces.
According to security sources, the first attempted attack occurred at about 12:00 a.m. when ISWAP fighters tried to infiltrate troop positions on the outskirts of Maiduguri near Dala Ajilari Cross.
The insurgents were met with swift resistance from troops of Operation Hadin Kai working in collaboration with operatives of the Police Crack Squad, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local hunters.
Residents in the area reported hearing sporadic gunfire and observing intense military activity as security forces pushed back the attackers.
Barely an hour later, at about 1:10 a.m., another group of insurgents launched a major assault on the 135 Special Forces Battalion in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area, engaging troops in a fierce gun battle that lasted for nearly two hours.
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Security sources said the terrorists attempted to breach the military base using several assault groups backed by heavy weapons and technical vehicles. However, troops mounted a strong defence, forcing the insurgents to retreat after suffering significant losses.
During the exchange, a projectile reportedly struck a military facility, igniting a fire within one of the buildings.
At the same time, insurgents also targeted the Brigade Headquarters and defensive positions along the Baga–Mile 4 axis, including areas linked to the Special Boat Service (SBS) responsible for securing waterways around Lake Chad.
The attackers reportedly deployed gun trucks, motorcycles, and rocket-propelled grenades in an attempt to overwhelm the positions. However, troops responded with coordinated firepower, repelling the assault and inflicting heavy casualties on the insurgents.
A security source in Baga said the troops dealt a significant blow to the attackers during the encounter.
“We inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorists. The battle began at about 1:10 a.m. and lasted nearly two hours. Many of them were killed. They tried to evacuate some of their dead, but several corpses were left behind,” the source said.
The successful defence of the military positions sparked spontaneous celebrations among residents in parts of Borno State, particularly in Maiduguri, where many residents came out to cheer the troops.
Youths and community members were seen chanting in support of the military, expressing relief and renewed confidence in the security forces’ capacity to protect their communities from insurgent attacks.
Military operations in the affected areas are said to be continuing as troops intensify efforts to prevent further attacks and sustain pressure on insurgent elements operating in the region.
By PRNigeria
