Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have repelled an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Gajiram, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack occurred at about 12:20 a.m. on Monday when a large number of terrorists launched an assault on the military position in an attempt to overrun the base.
The troops responded with sustained fire, forcing the attackers to retreat after suffering what the military described as heavy casualties.
Capt. Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), said several terrorists were neutralised during the engagement, while weapons, ammunition and communication gadgets were recovered.
A review of surveillance footage after the confrontation also confirmed that the retreating terrorists evacuated several casualties from the scene, according to the military.
The recovered items and surveillance footage are currently undergoing further operational assessment.
The military disclosed that some troops sustained injuries during the attack after part of the defensive position was temporarily breached.
It said the breach also resulted in damage to some combat equipment and military vehicles following rocket-propelled grenade fire.
The injured personnel were promptly airlifted and are currently stable while receiving medical treatment.
Following the attack, troops remained deployed in and around the FOB and adjoining areas to maintain control of the area, monitor developments and prevent any further attempt by the terrorists to re-engage.
The military urged residents of Gajiram and neighbouring communities to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities.
It also appealed to members of the public to report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security agencies or call 07084988859 to support intelligence-sharing efforts.
“Troops continue to maintain high vigilance in and around Gajiram while exploitation of the operational area and further assessment of terrorists’ casualties and activities remain ongoing,” the statement said.
The Theatre Command, Operation HADIN KAI, reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining military pressure against ISWAP terrorists until lasting peace and stability is restored in the North-East.