Boko Haram Attack Foiled in Borno as Troops Kill Eight

In a significant clash in Borno State, “at least eight Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters were killed after troops of Operation Hadin Kai repelled a coordinated attack on a Forward Operating Base in Mandaragirau.”

The confrontation took place “in the early hours of Saturday when the insurgents advanced towards the base from different directions in an apparent attempt to overrun it.”

However, the element of surprise was lost; “according to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the troops had already taken position before the attack and were ready to respond.”

Details from “a military source told Makama that the soldiers engaged the attackers with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw.” Describing the efficiency of the defense, “the source said,”

“The troops demonstrated resilience and tactical superiority, effectively repelling the assault and immediately launching a counter-exploitation along the terrorists’ withdrawal route, inflicting further casualties on the fleeing insurgents.”

While “no Nigerian military personnel was killed during the encounter,” the source “confirmed” that “a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade.”

Following the fight, “troops recovered weapons from the scene, including seven AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, four RPG bombs and a cache of ammunition.”

The aftermath revealed the extent of the damage to the insurgent group, as “blood trails were observed along the withdrawal routes, indicating that several other insurgents escaped with gunshot wounds,” he said. It has also been “gathered that injured soldiers are currently receiving treatment at a military medical facility in Biu.”

As the military swept the area, “further reports showed that more bodies of fleeing insurgents were seen along their escape routes towards the Timbuktu Triangle, a known hideout.” Specifically, “sources said,” “We saw four more bodies.”

Additional “military sources also said abandoned weapons and bodies were found in Garin Mallum and Garin Gajere, indicating that the attackers suffered heavy losses during the failed operation.”

In response to the successful defense, “the military leadership has, however, urged troops to sustain the tempo of operations, maintain control of the area and build on the gains recorded in the ongoing fight against insurgency in Borno State.”