Security forces thwart massive ISWAP assault in Borno, eliminate 38 militants

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Troops of Operation ”HADIN KAI” repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mandaragirau in Sector 2 in Borno, killing 38 insurgents.

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This is contained in a statement issued by Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), said the attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday.

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Uba said that the terrorists launched what he described as a “half-hearted” assault on the FOB.

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He said that the troops responded with a coordinated offensive-defensive operation, forcing the insurgents into a disorderly retreat.

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According to him, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided air support and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) to enhance precision strikes.

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He added that the troops pursued the fleeing insurgents along their withdrawal routes, inflicting further losses.

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“About 38 terrorists were neutralised, with eight bodies recovered within the immediate engagement area.

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“Human intelligence from locals confirmed over 30 additional bodies and weapons abandoned along the Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis into the Timbuktu Triangle,” he said.

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Uba said that the claim was corroborated by blood trails and abandoned equipment observed by troops during exploitation.

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He said that the troops also recovered seven AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, four rocket-propelled grenade bombs and assorted ammunition.

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He added that no fatalities were recorded among troops, although one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle was hit by rocket-propelled grenade fire.

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“The injured personnel have been stabilised,” he said.

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Uba said that the scale of losses suffered by the insurgents had sparked jubilation among local communities.

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He said that the development underscored the sustained dominance of troops in denying terrorists freedom of action in the North-East.

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He added that further exploitation operations were ongoing along the Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis to recover corpses and consolidate gains.

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Uba said that the Military High Command had commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience.

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He urged them to sustain the operational tempo in the region’s security interests.

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