Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a midnight attack by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province on a Forward Operating Base in Mairari, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State, killing scores of insurgents, according to the Nigerian Army.
The military, however, said two soldiers and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force were killed during the fierce exchange of gunfire.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, the attack occurred at about 11:25 p.m. on Tuesday when the terrorists launched an assault on the Forward Operating Base manned by troops of CIB XIX.
Goni said the troops mounted a stiff resistance, engaging the attackers in an intense gun battle that forced them to retreat after suffering heavy casualties.
According to him, troops recovered several weapons and military equipment abandoned by the fleeing insurgents, including AK-47 rifles, loaded magazines, Rocket Propelled Grenade tubes and other combat gear.
He added that surveillance footage obtained after the encounter showed the insurgents evacuating several dead and wounded fighters from the battlefield.
The Army described the attack as an attempt to disrupt the ongoing resettlement of displaced residents in Mairari, a community recently reopened after years under insurgent occupation.
It noted that more than 950 households had returned to the community, suggesting that the assault was aimed at spreading fear among residents and frustrating the government’s resettlement efforts.
The military said the attackers failed to overrun the base or inflict casualties on civilians, adding that no civilian was killed during the incident.
It, however, disclosed that two soldiers and one CJTF operative paid the supreme price while defending the base, while some military equipment was damaged by Rocket Propelled Grenade fire.
“The Theatre Command mourns these gallant heroes and extends its heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones,” the statement read.
The Army further disclosed that reinforcement troops deployed from Monguno discovered and safely detonated two Improvised Explosive Devices allegedly planted by the retreating terrorists along their escape route.
It said the reinforcement team subsequently engaged the fleeing insurgents, inflicting additional casualties and disrupting their withdrawal.
The military maintained that troops retained full control of the Forward Operating Base after the attack and had continued offensive operations to deny terrorists freedom of movement across the North-East.
It also commended the troops for their resilience and fighting spirit, reiterating its commitment to sustaining operations against insurgents until lasting peace is restored in the region.
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