By Odita Sunday
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) under Operation HADIN KAI have repelled an attempted attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Gajiram, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State, killing several terrorists and recovering weapons.
The military disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni.
According to the statement, the terrorists launched the assault at about 12:20 a.m. on Monday in what appeared to be an attempt to overrun the military base. However, troops mounted a fierce resistance, forcing the attackers to retreat after suffering heavy casualties.
The military said several terrorists were neutralised during the gun battle, while troops recovered weapons, ammunition and communication gadgets from the fleeing insurgents.
It added that post-engagement surveillance footage confirmed that the retreating terrorists evacuated a number of casualties from the battlefield, while the recovered items and footage are undergoing further operational assessment.
The statement, however, disclosed that a few soldiers sustained injuries during the encounter after part of the base’s defensive position was temporarily breached, leading to damage to some combat support equipment and vehicles caused by rocket-propelled grenade fire.
The injured personnel have since been airlifted for medical treatment and are in stable condition, according to the military.
Following the failed attack, troops have maintained their positions in and around the Forward Operating Base and adjoining communities, intensifying operations to dominate the area and prevent any further attempts by the insurgents to regroup or launch fresh attacks.
Operation HADIN KAI urged residents of Gajiram and neighbouring communities to remain calm and continue their lawful activities while remaining vigilant.
The military also appealed to members of the public to promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies or through its emergency line to support ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
It reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against ISWAP and other terrorist groups until lasting peace and stability are restored across the North-East.
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