Troops repel ISWAP attack near Kareto, recover rifles

Troops repel ISWAP attack near Kareto, recover rifles

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army, Operation HADIN KAI have repelled an attempted ambush by ISWAP fighters near Wakilti village, close to Kareto in Borno State, recovering two motorcycles and an AK-47 rifle from the fleeing terrorists.

Zagazola Makama learnt from reliable sources that the encounter occurred on Monday at about 1:30 p.m., when troops of 145 Battalion (Main) on Main Supply Route (MSR) patrol and piquetting duties, operating in conjunction with Keystone operatives and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), made contact with the insurgents around Wakilti.

The sources said that the troops engaged the terrorists in a heavy firefight, forcing them to retreat in disarray after coming under superior firepower.

According to the source, the soldiers pursued the fleeing fighters but made no further contact.

“During exploitation of the scene, troops recovered two motorcycles, one AK-47 rifle fitted with a magazine. The enemy casualty figure is still unconfirmed,” the source said.

A reinforcement team from Operation HADIN KAI later linked up with the patrol team and dominated the route to prevent further infiltration.

The source said that there was no casualty recorded on the side of the troops.

The sources further added that the Army has intensified Operation Desert Sanity IV under Operation Hadin Kai, with increased surveillance and patrols aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement around critical routes and communities.

Troops repel ISWAP attack near Kareto, recover rifles