Troops repel multi-front terrorist attack in Borno, killed several terrorists and recover arms

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a coordinated attack by suspected terrorists on a Forward Operating Base in Biu Local Government Area of Borno, recovering weapons and inflicting losses on the attackers.

A military source said the incident occurred at about 12:28 a.m. on March 28, when insurgents launched a multi-front assault on troops at Forward Operating Base Mandaragirau.

The source disclosed that the troops, already positioned in ambush, engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange, killing several of them and forcing others to retreat.

“Troops effectively engaged the terrorists from their ambush positions, compelling them to flee in disarray,” the source said.

He added that troops pursued the fleeing insurgents along their withdrawal routes, during which additional casualties were inflicted on them.

“During exploitation, troops discovered the bodies of four neutralised terrorists and recovered five AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, two rocket-propelled grenade bombs and quantities of ammunition,” he said.

The source noted that visible blood stains along the escape routes indicated that more casualties were inflicted on the fleeing insurgents.

He, however, said the troops also recorded casualties during the encounter.

“Some soldiers sustained injuries in action, while two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) lost their lives and two others are currently missing in action,” he said.

The sources added that the wounded personnel had been evacuated to the Cantonment Medical Centre in Biu for treatment, while exploitation operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing insurgents.

Troops repel multi-front terrorist attack in Borno, killed several terrorists and recover arms

Troops arrest suspected ISWAP collaborator in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected collaborator of ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

A military source said the suspect was apprehended at about 5:35 p.m. on March 27 by troops of 25 Brigade and 19 Battalion (Mobile), in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

The source disclosed that the suspect, a native of Gwalki village in Kafa area of Damboa LGA, resides at Hausari Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Maiduguri.

“The suspect is alleged to have been collaborating with ISWAP/JAS elements operating within the Damboa general area,” the source said.

He added that during preliminary investigation, the suspect claimed to be part of a hybrid force and a repentant terrorist.

“However, he confessed to being involved in the sale of ammunition to terrorist elements at the Timbuktu Triangle through an accomplice identified as Konto Fatima, said to be residing at Aburi IDP camp,” the source said.

According to him, the suspect is currently in military custody and undergoing further investigation.

Troops arrest suspected ISWAP collaborator in Borno

Troops foil attack on farmers, one injured in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have foiled an attempted attack by suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists on farmers and herders in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

A military source said the incident occurred at about 11:50 a.m. on March 28, when insurgents believed to have emerged from the Mandara Mountains attempted to attack, kidnap farmers and rustle cattle around Hudugum village in the Hambagda axis.

The source disclosed that troops of 192 Battalion, deployed for piqueting duties along the Gwoza–Limankara road, swiftly responded to the distress call.

“On arrival, troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a firefight, forcing them to abandon their mission and flee towards the foothills of the Mandara Mountains,” the source said.

He added that troops pursued the fleeing insurgents along their withdrawal route but did not make further contact.

The source, however, said one civilian was accidentally hit by a stray bullet during the exchange.

“The victim sustained injury on her left thigh and was evacuated to General Hospital Gwoza, where she has been stabilised and is currently receiving treatment,” he said.

Troops foil attack on farmers, one injured in Borno