Troops repel terrorist attack on military base in Borno

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled an attempted terrorist attack on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Gajibo, Borno State, forcing the assailants to retreat after a fierce gun battle.

Security sources said the attack occurred at about 3:32 a.m. on Wednesday when troops of the 81 Division Task Force Battalion stationed at the base detected an unspecified number of terrorists advancing from two directions.

The troops responded with indirect fire, disrupting the attackers’ movement and compelling them to withdraw.

The terrorists later regrouped and launched a second assault on the base, but troops maintained their defensive positions and engaged them with superior firepower, forcing another retreat.

Following the failed attack, troops carried out an exploitation operation along the terrorists’ withdrawal route at about 6:00 a.m.

During the operation, soldiers reportedly discovered traces of blood, suggesting that some of the attackers may have sustained injuries during the exchange of fire.

Troops also recovered a CamelBak containing suspected drugs, ammunition links, rounds of ammunition, slippers and a face mask abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.

No casualty was recorded among the troops, while the number of casualties on the side of the attackers could not be immediately confirmed.

The soldiers returned to base at about 7:20 a.m. after completing the operation.

Military sources said the successful defence underscored the operational readiness of troops under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V to protect military formations and sustain pressure on insurgent groups in the North-East.

The sources added that although the security situation across the theatre remained calm, troops continued to maintain high morale and operational efficiency.