Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
Several Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters have been neutralised and a cache of weapons and logistics recovered after troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) repelled a coordinated attack on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mairari, Borno State.
The failed assault, which began late on 12 December 2025 and stretched into the early hours of 13 December, involved the use of two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) by the terrorists.
Both devices were detected and destroyed by alert troops before they could breach the base.
Military sources said CCTV footage and field observations confirmed that several terrorists were killed during the engagement, while others sustained serious injuries and fled the area with their casualties.
Following the attack, OPHK troops of Sector 3, supported by the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Group, the Nigeria Police Crack Team and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), carried out a thorough exploitation of the surrounding area.
This led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition and other logistics abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
Recovered items included AK-47 rifles, magazines and ammunition, PKT rounds, hand grenades, motorcycles, communication devices, combat gear and medical supplies, further weakening the group’s operational capacity in the area.
The two VBIEDs were neutralised by defensive fire, causing damage to sections of the road but leaving the Forward Operating Base intact, with no breach recorded.
The military said the successful defence highlighted the preparedness, vigilance and professionalism of the troops.
Troops have since intensified patrols around Mairari to forestall further terrorist activity and reassure local communities of continued security presence.
Operation HADIN KAI reiterated its resolve to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace and stability across the North East.
