TROOPS of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have successfully repelled a coordinated assault launched by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on a military base in Mallam Fatori, Borno State.
According to a statement issued by Lt-Col Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for OPHK, the insurgents attacked the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kangar around 4:30 a.m., deploying drones and mortar fire in a bid to overrun the position.
However, the soldiers, reinforced by the Main Force from Sector 3, fought back fiercely with air support from Nigerien fighter jets, forcing the terrorists to retreat into the Tumbun waterways with their casualties.
Following the battle, troops recovered six bodies of terrorists, alongside five AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, over 250 rounds of ammunition, rocket-propelled grenades, drone bombs, hand grenades, and an Android phone. Subsequent airstrikes by Nigerian and Nigerien air forces reportedly neutralised additional fleeing fighters.
Some soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained minor injuries during the exchange but were promptly evacuated for medical treatment and are said to be in stable condition.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) commended the troops for their gallantry and reaffirmed the military’s determination to restore lasting peace and stability to the North-East region.
