TROOPS FOIL ISWAP ATTACK IN BORNO, KILL 38 TERRORISTS, RECOVER WEAPONS

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By ‘Sefiu Ajape

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, have repelled an ISWAP attack on FOB Mandaragirau in Borno State, killing 38 terrorists and recovering several weapons.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force OPHK, the troops engaged the insurgents with “well-coordinated ambushes and a deliberate offensive-defensive response that forced them into a disorderly withdrawal,” while the Air Component delivered close air support and ISR feedback to enhance targeted kinetic strikes.

The statement added that follow-up operations along the terrorists’ escape routes resulted in additional heavy casualties.

“A total of about 38 terrorists were neutralized with 8 bodies recovered so far within the immediate engagement area and human intelligence from locals confirming over 30 additional terrorists’ bodies and weapons strewn along Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis into the Timbuktu Triangle. This was evidenced by blood trails and abandoned equipment,” the statement added.

Troops also recovered seven AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, four RPG bombs, and assorted ammunition. No fatalities were recorded among the troops, although one MRAP vehicle was struck by RPG fire, with injured personnel promptly stabilised.

The statement further noted that the scale of the losses “has triggered widespread jubilation among local communities and highlights the sustained dominance of OPHK troops in denying terrorists freedom of action.”

Ongoing exploitation operations are being conducted along the Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis to recover additional bodies and consolidate the gains.