Troops Repel ISWAP Attack on Borno Base, Recover Weapons and Equipment

Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai have repelled an attempted attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on a Forward Operating Base in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, when the insurgents launched a coordinated assault on the Forward Operating Base Mandaragirau from two directions.

According to a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Captain Mohammed Goni, troops detected the advancing fighters through their early-warning and surveillance systems.

A combat team was immediately deployed to intercept one group of attackers, leading to an intense exchange of fire. The military said the troops successfully defeated the insurgents on that axis.

Another group reportedly attempted to bypass the ambush and infiltrate the base but was met with what the military described as superior firepower.

The coordinated response forced the attackers to withdraw, with troops subsequently launching a pursuit and exploiting the areas where the fighting occurred and the routes used by the insurgents to retreat.

The military said several ISWAP fighters were neutralised during the operation, while troops recovered AK-47 rifles and loaded magazines, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with bombs and chargers, a camcorder and other military equipment.

Surveillance footage later showed some of the insurgents allegedly dragging away the bodies of their colleagues killed during the confrontation towards the Timbuktu Triangle.

The military reported that none of its personnel was killed or wounded during the attack.

The Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai commended the troops of the 162 Amphibious Battalion for what it described as their courage, professionalism and effective response to the attempted assault.

The Command said the operation demonstrated the troops’ readiness to prevent terrorist groups from gaining freedom of action in the North-East.

Operation Hadin Kai said it would continue offensive and defensive operations aimed at disrupting terrorist activities and restoring lasting security across Borno and other parts of the region.

The claims in the military statement regarding casualties and recovered equipment have not been independently verified.