Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have repelled a major coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Borno State, successfully neutralising two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) and inflicting heavy casualties on the assailants.
The attack targeted soldiers conducting stabilisation operations in Mairari, Guzamala Local Government Area, during the late hours of Friday. Terrorists attempted to breach a Forward Operating Base using the two explosive-laden vehicles, but troops promptly detected and destroyed both VBIEDs, preventing any penetration of the base’s defences.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Sani Una, Spokesperson for the theatre command, CCTV footage confirmed that several terrorists were killed, with others seen evacuating their dead and wounded after the failed assault.
In the early hours of Saturday, 13 December 2025, troops from Sector 3 OPHK, supported by the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Group, a Nigeria Police Crack Team, and the Civilian Joint Task Force, conducted a thorough exploitation of the area. This operation led to the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons, ammunition, and logistics abandoned during the terrorists’ hasty withdrawal.
Recovered items include:
· AK-47 rifles, magazines, and ammunition
· Belts of PKT machine gun rounds
· Hand grenades
· Motorcycles and communication devices
· Various combat gear, medical supplies, and sustainment items
The two destroyed VBIEDs caused substantial damage to the road at separate points but resulted in no breach of the military base. Lieutenant Colonel Una stated that the recoveries “significantly degrade the operational capacity of the terrorists” in the area.
Troops are now conducting aggressive fighting patrols across the general area to prevent further terrorist activity and reassure local communities of an enduring security presence.
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