Troops have repelled an ISWAP attack on a Forward Operating Base in Gajiram, Borno State, neutralising several terrorists and recovering weapons, ammunition and communication equipment.
According to a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Cpt Mohammed Goni, the attack occurred at about 12:20 a.m. on Monday, when a large number of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists launched an assault on the troops’ position in Gajiram, Nganzai Local Government Area.
Goni said the troops responded to the attack and forced the terrorists to withdraw after inflicting heavy casualties on them.
“During the engagement, troops neutralised several of the terrorists and recovered weapons, ammunition and communication gadgets,” he said.
He added that a review of surveillance footage after the engagement confirmed that several casualties were evacuated by the retreating terrorists.
“Post-engagement review of the surveillance footage further confirmed several casualties being evacuated by the retreating terrorists. The recovered items and footage are currently undergoing further operational assessment,” he said.
Goni disclosed that some troops sustained injuries during the engagement after part of the base’s defences was temporarily breached, resulting in damage to some combat enablers and vehicles from Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) fire.
He said the injured personnel were promptly airlifted and were stable while receiving medical attention.
“Following the attack, troops have remained firmly deployed in and around the Forward Operating Base and adjoining areas to dominate the general area, monitor the situation and prevent any further attempts by the terrorists to re-engage,” he said.
The military spokesperson said troops were maintaining heightened vigilance in and around Gajiram, while exploitation of the operational area and further assessment of the terrorists’ casualties and activities continued.
Goni advised residents of Gajiram and surrounding communities to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities.
He also urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security agencies to support ongoing intelligence gathering and operations.
“Troops continue to maintain high vigilance in and around Gajiram while exploitation of the operational area and further assessment of terrorists’ casualties and activities remain ongoing,” Goni said.
The Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai, reassured the public of its commitment to sustaining pressure on ISWAP terrorists until lasting peace and stability are restored in the North-East.
