Troops Repel Twin ISWAP Attacks in Borno, Recover IEDs, Communication Device
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled separate attacks by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Borno State, successfully securing a humanitarian convoy, defending a community from insurgent assault and recovering weapons-related items abandoned by fleeing terrorists.
Security sources said the first incident occurred on June 29 when troops of the 149 Battalion, while escorting a humanitarian convoy to Kareto in Mobbar Local Government Area, encountered a command-detonated improvised explosive device (IED) planted by suspected terrorists at Grema Kauri Village at about 2:15 p.m.
The explosion left the Commanding Officer of the 149 Battalion, Lt.-Col. E.P. Isah, with minor injuries.
According to the sources, at about 2:55 p.m., while escorting 16 empty humanitarian logistics trucks on the return journey, the convoy struck a second command-detonated IED at Gambo Kurumuri Village.
The second explosion was immediately followed by an ambush by suspected ISWAP fighters. However, the troops responded with superior firepower, successfully repelling the attack, clearing the terrorists’ positions and pursuing the fleeing insurgents during follow-up exploitation operations.
One civilian truck driver was killed during the attack, while another sustained minor injuries. One humanitarian logistics truck was also damaged.
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After securing the route, the escort troops safely handed over the convoy to personnel of the 109 Special Forces Battalion in Magumeri for onward movement to Maiduguri before returning to base without further incident.
In a separate operation, troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion foiled another ISWAP attack on Kurnari Community in Biu Local Government Area during the early hours of June 30.
Security sources said the terrorists launched the attack at about 3:30 a.m., prompting troops to swiftly respond to distress calls from residents. Following a fierce exchange of gunfire, the insurgents were forced to abandon the assault and flee the area.
Exploitation of the scene led to the recovery of 28 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm PKT ammunition, one handheld radio, one weapon cleaning rod, two head warmers, three locally fabricated explosive devices, a 50cl can of weapon cleaning oil, one empty RPG bomb charger casing, one neck strap and ₦5,000.
The recovered items have been taken into military custody for further investigation and intelligence exploitation.
Military sources said the operations highlight the continued use of command-detonated IEDs and coordinated ambush tactics by ISWAP terrorists targeting both military formations and humanitarian supply routes in the North-East.
They added that Operation HADIN KAI troops remain committed to protecting vulnerable communities, securing critical logistics corridors and sustaining offensive operations aimed at degrading the operational capabilities of terrorist groups across the theatre.
By PRNigeria
