Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have repelled terrorist attacks on military positions in Borno State, killing several insurgents and recovering weapons and other equipment.
The military said the operations thwarted attempted attacks on Forward Operating Bases at Gajiram in Nganzai Local Government Area and Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area.
Acting Military Information Officer at Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed on Friday that troops detected terrorists advancing towards the Gajiram base on September 17 with support from Multinational Joint Task Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets.
According to him, troops immediately adopted defensive measures while the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided close air support.
“Faced with the coordinated response, the terrorists withdrew from the vicinity of the location into adjoining areas,” Goni said.
Later that night, troops at the Mairari base came under attack from fighters identified by the military as members of the Islamic State West Africa Province.
The military said the attackers were met with strong resistance from ground troops, supported by air operations, forcing them to abandon the assault.
Goni said follow-up operations led to the recovery of four terrorist corpses, AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition, RPG bombs and a camcorder, among other items.
Some soldiers sustained injuries during the encounter and were stabilised before being airlifted to hospital for further treatment, he added.
The military said the affected locations had since been reinforced, while troops continued clearance and surveillance operations in surrounding communities to prevent insurgents from regrouping.
In a separate development, two members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, including a commander, surrendered to troops of Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI along the Miyanti-Darel Jamel axis in Bama Local Government Area on September 16.
The military said the pair surrendered with three AK-47 rifles, five magazines, a motorcycle and ammunition, adding that they are currently in custody undergoing preliminary investigation and profiling.
The Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Maj. Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, commended troops, the MNJTF intelligence team and aircrew for their coordination and vigilance, reaffirming the military’s commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups and protecting communities across the North-East.
