Three security personnel, including two soldiers and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have died after troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled a terrorist assault on a military base in Borno State.
The attack reportedly occurred last night at the Forward Operating Base in Mairari, Guzamala Local Government Area of the state.
According to the military in a statement released on Thursday, despite suffering casualties, the troops repelled the assault and forced the attackers to retreat after a fierce exchange of gunfire that left several insurgents dead or wounded.
The military added that troops also recovered weapons and other combat items abandoned by the fleeing attackers during the failed operation.
“The troops displayed exceptional courage and resilience during the encounter. Their swift response ensured the terrorists failed to achieve their objective,” the statement said.
Furthermore, the military disclosed that surveillance footage obtained after the battle showed insurgents evacuating a number of their dead and injured fighters from the scene.
The attack was described as an attempt to undermine ongoing efforts to restore normalcy in communities recently reopened for civilian habitation.
However, the military said the attackers failed to cause harm to residents, with no civilian casualties recorded, although three security personnel lost their lives in the encounter.
“The Theatre Command mourns the fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in the defence of their country and extends its condolences to their families and loved ones,” the statement added.
The military also reported that some equipment sustained damage from rocket-propelled gunfire during the exchange.
Operation HADIN KAI said the outcome of the battle demonstrated the operational readiness and combat effectiveness of troops deployed across the theatre of operations.
“The terrorists were denied any operational success despite their desperate efforts.
Troops remain committed to sustaining offensive operations until lasting peace and security are fully restored across the North-East,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Mairari is one of the communities recently resettled under government-backed efforts to return displaced residents to their homes, with more than 950 households already resettled in the area before the attack.