Scores of militants from the Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) groups have been killed after a failed assault on a Nigerian army base in Borno state, military officials have said.
The coordinated attack on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kangar, Mallam Fatori, was launched in the early hours of Tuesday but was successfully repelled by troops.
In a statement, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, said the attackers used armed drones and mortar fire in their assault. He confirmed that the troops, “displayed exceptional gallantry and tactical superiority to defeat the assault.”
Despite the initial bombardment, soldiers held their ground and engaged the militants in a fierce firefight. The defence was supported by close air support from Nigerien fighter jets.
The statement detailed that the terrorists, “overwhelmed by the superior firepower and coordination of the joint force, retreated in disarray.” A subsequent search of the area confirmed that six militants were killed at the scene, with arms and ammunition recovered.
The military said the retreating fighters were then targeted by further airstrikes from the Nigerian and Nigerien air forces, which “further neutralised additional scores of the miscreants.”
The statement also acknowledged that several Nigerian personnel and members of the allied Civilian Joint Task Force sustained minor injuries. It confirmed they had been evacuated for medical treatment and were in a stable condition.
The Multinational Joint Task Force, a regional coalition, provided surveillance and transport support during the operation.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Uba, “Exploitation operations are ongoing in the waterways and adjoining areas to track fleeing terrorists and deny them freedom of movement.”
The Military High Command praised the troops for their “resilience, courage, and professionalism in the face of adversity,” reaffirming its commitment to restoring peace and security in the North East.
Discussion about this post