By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have repelled an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Gajiram, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack occurred at about 12:20 a.m. on Monday when a large number of terrorists attempted to overrun the military position.
The troops responded with heavy fire, forcing the terrorists to withdraw after sustaining casualties. Several terrorists were neutralised, while weapons, ammunition and communication gadgets were recovered.
According to the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Captain Mohammed Goni, surveillance footage reviewed after the engagement also confirmed several casualties being evacuated by the fleeing terrorists.
The military disclosed that some troops sustained injuries after part of the base’s defences was temporarily breached, while some combat equipment and vehicles were damaged by Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) fire. The injured personnel were airlifted and are currently stable.
Troops remain deployed in and around Gajiram to prevent further attacks, while exploitation of the area and assessment of the terrorists’ casualties continue.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and report suspicious movements to security agencies.