Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) successfully repelled coordinated terrorist attacks on two separate military bases in the North East on Friday, inflicting severe casualties on the assailants through ground and follow-up aerial strikes.
The incidents, which occurred in the early hours of January 16th, saw terrorist elements simultaneously attempt to overrun a patrol base in Sabon Gari, Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, and launch a large-scale, multi-directional assault on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Azir in Borno State.
According to a press release issued by the Joint Task Force, the attack in Adamawa was swiftly countered by alert troops, supported by rapid reinforcements. The terrorists were repelled without any casualty to personnel or equipment, forcing a hasty retreat. The area was subsequently secured and cleared of potential threats.
The assault on FOB Azir proved more intense. Attackers initially breached part of the defensive perimeter but were met with “overwhelming and sustained firepower” from troops, backed by the Air Component and other Nigerian Army aerial platforms. After a prolonged firefight exceeding one hour, the insurgents were decisively overpowered and forced to withdraw. The engagement resulted in partial damage to some military vehicles and a control room from terrorist RPG fire, but troops maintained firm control.
The defeat at the bases was only the first phase of the terrorists’ setback. Persistent surveillance by Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms tracked the fleeing factions. This enabled the Air Component of OPHK to conduct precision follow-up strikes along identified withdrawal routes.
“The precision strikes by the Nigerian Airforce platforms resulted in the neutralisation of additional scores of the terrorists, dealing a severe blow to the group’s fighting strength and morale,” stated Lieutenant SA Atokolo, Acting Media Information Officer for OPHK. “Evidence from the exploitation confirmed that the terrorists suffered heavy casualties.”
Troops also recovered a significant cache of enemy weapons, including a 60mm mortar tube, mortar bombs, locally fabricated explosives, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
The military high command has commended the resilience and professionalism of the troops, emphasizing that operations continue unabated to dismantle terrorist networks and deny them freedom of action in the region.
Discussion about this post