Troops of the North East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, have repelled a late-night assault by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on a Forward Operating Base in Mairari, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.
Military authorities said the attack occurred shortly before midnight on July 1, when insurgents launched an offensive against the military position.
Soldiers engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat after suffering significant losses.
Military Reports Casualties Among Security Forces
Despite successfully defending the base, the military confirmed that two soldiers and one member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed during the exchange of fire.
The Acting Military Information Officer for Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Muhammed Goni, said the fallen personnel died while defending the position against the insurgents’ assault.
The theatre command expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, describing them as heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against terrorism.
Troops Recover Weapons and Destroy Terrorists’ Equipment
According to the military, troops recovered several weapons and other items abandoned by the fleeing insurgents after the attack.
The recovered materials included AK-47 rifles, loaded magazines, rocket-propelled grenade launch tubes and other combat equipment.
Captain Goni added that surveillance operations later confirmed that ISWAP fighters evacuated multiple dead and wounded members from the battlefield, indicating the heavy losses suffered during the failed operation.
Attack Targeted Recently Resettled Community
Military officials said the attack was aimed at undermining the ongoing resettlement of civilians in Mairari, where more than 950 households had only recently returned following improved security conditions.
The insurgents were believed to have intended to spread fear among returning residents and disrupt the government’s resettlement programme.
However, the military confirmed that no civilian casualties were recorded during the incident.
Reinforcement Team Neutralises Roadside Explosives
In a related operation, troops deployed from Monguno detected and safely detonated two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted along a route believed to have been used by the retreating insurgents.
The reinforcement force subsequently engaged the fleeing militants, inflicting additional casualties and further disrupting their withdrawal, according to the military.
Operation Hadin Kai Reaffirms Commitment
Although some military equipment sustained damage after being struck by rocket-propelled grenade fire during the battle, troops retained full control of the Forward Operating Base throughout the confrontation.
Captain Goni said the successful defence of the position demonstrated the operational readiness, resilience and combat effectiveness of Operation Hadin Kai forces.
He added that the military remains committed to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups and restoring lasting peace, security and stability across Nigeria’s North East.
