Troops of the north east joint task force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), on Monday, March 16, repelled attacks launched by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on four military bases in Borno state, neutralizing 27 terrorists in the process.
The attacks, which targeted military positions at Njimtilo, Baga, Buratai, and Damboa, were mounted from several directions in an attempt by the terrorists to overrun military bases.
At Ajiri cross, near Njimtilo, troops anticipated the attack and engaged the terrorists with precision, cutting off their withdrawal routes and inflicting heavy casualties.
Similar attacks in Baga, Buratai, and Damboa were countered with superior firepower, reinforced by close air support from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and Nigerian army aviation, which disrupted the terrorists’ formations as they attempted to flee.
According to OPHK’s spokesperson, Sani Uba, several terrorists were killed during the engagements, including a commander linked to the Buratai attack, while others sustained injuries as they fled.
Although some personnel were wounded and equipment damaged, troops maintained control of all positions.
Following the attacks, troops launched follow-up operations in surrounding areas, including Korochara and Garin Giwa, recovering a large cache of weapons and equipment.
Items recovered included three PKT machine guns, seven AK-47 rifles, 206 rounds of PKT ammunition, 418 rounds of anti-aircraft ammunition, seven AK-47 magazines, three AK-74 magazines, and three RPG bombs.
Three motorcycles used by the terrorists were also destroyed, while seven terrorist corpses were recovered at the scene, and another 20 bodies were found buried in shallow graves by the fleeing terrorists.
The north east joint task force headquarters reassured residents that the affected areas remain secure and urged the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities, while disregarding misinformation aimed at undermining ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the north east.
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