The Nigerian Army has foiled an attempted terrorist attack on a military base in Borno State after troops repelled an assault by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) seeking to overrun their position.
Troops engaged the attackers with sustained fire, forcing them to retreat after inflicting casualties on the terrorist group.
During the encounter, several ISWAP fighters were neutralised, while troops recovered weapons, ammunition and communication gadgets from the area.
The military said surveillance footage reviewed after the operation showed several casualties being evacuated by the fleeing terrorists.
According to a statement by the Army, the attack occurred at about 12:20 a.m. on Monday at the Forward Operating Base in Gajiram, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State.
“During the engagement, troops neutralised several of the terrorists and recovered weapons, ammunition and communication gadgets,” Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI, said.
However, some soldiers sustained injuries after the terrorists temporarily breached part of the defensive position during the attack.
Goni said some combat equipment and military vehicles were also damaged by Rocket-Propelled Grenade fire during the confrontation.
He added that the injured personnel were evacuated by air and were receiving medical treatment in stable condition.
Following the failed assault, troops remained deployed around the military base and adjoining areas to dominate the terrain, monitor developments and prevent the terrorists from launching another attack.
The recovered weapons, ammunition and communication equipment, as well as the surveillance footage, are undergoing further operational assessment, the military said.
Residents of Gajiram and neighbouring communities were urged to remain calm and continue their lawful activities while promptly reporting suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.
Goni said troops remained on high alert as the military continued to exploit the operational area and assess the extent of the terrorists’ casualties and activities.
He added that the Theatre Command, Operation HADIN KAI, would sustain pressure on ISWAP terrorists until lasting peace and stability were restored across the North-East.