Troops repel ISWAP attack on Borno military base, recover weapons

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Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation Hadin Kai have repelled an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists on a Forward Operating Base in Gajiram, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State, killing several of the attackers and recovering weapons, ammunition and communication gadgets.

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The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters JTF North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni.

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Goni said the terrorists launched the attack at about 12:20 am on Monday in an attempt to overrun the troops’ position, but were forced to withdraw after the soldiers responded with what he described as “determined and effective fire.”

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The statement read, “At about 12:20 a.m. on 10 August 2026, a large number of terrorists launched an assault in an attempt to overrun the troops’ position.

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“The gallant troops responded with determined and effective fire, forcing the attackers to withdraw after sustaining heavy casualties.”

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According to the Army, several terrorists were neutralised during the engagement, while troops recovered weapons, ammunition and communication gadgets from the attackers.

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It added that surveillance footage reviewed after the encounter showed several casualties being evacuated by the retreating terrorists.

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“Post-engagement review of the surveillance footage further confirmed several casualties being evacuated by the retreating terrorists. The recovered items and footage are currently undergoing further operational assessment,” the statement added.

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The Army, however, said some troops sustained injuries after part of the base’s defences was temporarily breached during the attack.

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It said the breach also resulted in damage to some combat enablers and vehicles from Rocket Propelled Grenade fire.

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“Few troops sustained injuries during the engagement as a part of the defences was temporarily breached leading to damage to some combat enablers and vehicles from Rocket Propelled Grenade fires,” the statement said.

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The injured personnel were subsequently airlifted and were reported to be stable and receiving medical attention.

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Following the attack, the Army said troops had remained deployed around the Forward Operating Base and adjoining areas to dominate the area, monitor developments and prevent further attempts by the terrorists to re-engage.

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The Army urged residents of Gajiram and neighbouring communities to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities, while asking members of the public to report suspicious movements to security agencies.

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“Members of the public are also encouraged to promptly report any suspicious movement or activity to the nearest security agencies or call 07084988859 to support intelligence sharing in the ongoing operations,” it stated.

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The Army said exploitation of the operational area and further assessment of the terrorists’ casualties and activities were ongoing.

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It also reaffirmed the commitment of Operation Hadin Kai to sustaining pressure on ISWAP terrorists in the North-East.

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