Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) successfully thwarted a major attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in New Marte, Borno State, in the early hours of May 27, the Nigerian Army reported on Tuesday.
According to a statement from Capt. Reuben Kovangiya, acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations at the Headquarters Theatre Command, the insurgents attempted to infiltrate the troops’ position, sparking a fierce gun battle.
Reinforcements from the 24 Task Force Brigade Garrison and 134 Special Forces Battalion were swiftly deployed to support frontline troops.
The Air Component of OPHK also provided real-time intelligence and launched precision air strikes that destroyed several motorcycles used by the fleeing terrorists.
During the counteroffensive, troops recovered a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) SUV abandoned by the insurgents.
Ground forces also discovered multiple terrorist corpses and blood trails, indicating additional casualties as the attackers retreated.
Troops repel ISWAP attack on Damboa, eliminate 16 terrorists
Unfortunately, two soldiers lost their lives in the confrontation.
Capt. Kovangiya emphasized that their sacrifice would not be forgotten.
In a separate but related incident, troops at a Forward Operating Base in Kumshe also repelled another ISWAP attack, killing several terrorists in the process.
The Theatre Command hailed the successful operations as a demonstration of enhanced coordination between air and ground forces.
It reiterated the commitment of OPHK troops to maintaining pressure on terrorist elements and restoring peace to Nigeria’s North-East region.
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