Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have repelled a coordinated attack by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in New Marte, Borno State, resulting in the death of scores of insurgents and the recovery of explosives and weapons.
The assault, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, was thwarted through a combined effort of ground troops and the Air Component of OPHK.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai, the terrorists had attempted to infiltrate the military base under the cover of darkness but were met with fierce resistance and overwhelming firepower.
The army said the coordination between ground forces and aerial assets played a decisive role in neutralising the insurgents.
“The air component provided real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) alongside precision airstrikes, which decimated fleeing terrorists and destroyed several of their motorcycles.
“Regrettably, two soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice during the encounter,” the statement read.
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Despite the loss, the army said the troops recovered a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED), an SUV rigged with explosives, abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
The army noted that the operation also led to the destruction of several motorcycles used by the assailants.
It said during subsequent exploitation of the area, the troops discovered multiple lifeless bodies of the insurgents.
“Traces of blood along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes suggested further unconfirmed casualties.
“In a separate but related incident, troops successfully repelled another attempted attack on the Forward Operating Base in Kumshe,” it added.
The army described the foiled attacks as proof of the renewed synergy between air and ground components of OPHK and reaffirmed its commitment to restoring lasting peace and enabling socio-economic recovery in the North-East region.
