The Nigerian Army has repelled a coordinated ISWAP assault on a Nigerian Army forward base in Borno State. Troops defeated attackers advancing from two directions, and neutralized several terrorists.
Weapons and other combat equipment were also recovered by the Army Officers, and there were no casualties among their ranks.
This was stated in a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni.
The attempted attack on Forward Operating Base Mandaragirau in Biu Local Government Area began at about 02:00 hours on 15 August when ISWAP terrorists launched a simultaneous attack on the base from two fronts, Capt. Goni said.
Early warning and surveillance systems detected the advancing fighters and enabled troops to send a combat team to intercept one axis before the attackers could arrive at the position.
“The engagement that followed resulted in a heavy exchange of fire during which the troops defeated the attacking group.
A second group attempted to go around the intercepting force and get into the base but met with equally stiff resistance and was compelled to fall back under continued fire. Troops immediately pursued the retreating terrorists, exploiting both the contact area and their withdrawal routes. Several terrorists were neutralized and troops recovered AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, a rocket propelled grenade launcher with bombs and chargers, a camcorder and other combat enabling equipment.
The statement also said that subsequent to the engagement, surveillance footage provided further evidence of the impact of the engagement, showing terrorists dragging away several bodies of their colleagues toward the Timbuktu Triangle. There were no casualties among the Nigerian troops in the operation.
“The result is important beyond the immediate defense of the Mandaragirau position. “The ability to detect the assault prior to infiltration, engage the attackers on separate axes, and then pursue them after their withdrawal demonstrates the value of layered surveillance, rapid tactical response and aggressive exploitation in protecting forward operating bases from complex terrorist attacks.”
The Theater Command commended the troops of 162 Amphibious Battalion for their courage, professionalism and tactical proficiency, while reiterating its resolve to dominate the battlespace and sustain operations toward restoring lasting peace and security in the Northeast.