Troops repel ISWAP drone, mortar attack on military base in Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East under Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists on a military base in Borno State.

Sources said the attack occurred at about 7:57 p.m. on Thursday when three hostile drones were detected hovering around Battalion Headquarters “Alfa,” in what was believed to be an attempt to gather intelligence on the facility.

As troops moved to neutralise the drones, the terrorists reportedly launched two mortar bombs at the base and followed up with heavy small-arms fire.

“The troops responded with superior firepower, effectively suppressing the attackers and forcing them to retreat in disarray towards the Mangari axis,” a source disclosed.

The Nigerian Air Force was said to have provided immediate air support during the engagement, reinforcing ground troops and contributing to the successful repulsion of the attack.

No casualties were recorded among the troops, and no military equipment was damaged during the incident.

After the failed attack, troops conducted a sweep of the area and recovered several items abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.

These included six rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs and charges, 366 rounds of 7.62mm x 51 ammunition, and a large quantity of expended PKT rounds.

Operation Hadin Kai has continued sustained offensive operations across the North East to deny terrorist groups freedom of movement and degrade their operational capabilities.