Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have successfully contained an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Gajiram, Nganzai Local Government Area, Borno State, killing dozens of fighters and recovered weapons.

The terrorists, in large number launched the attack at about 12:20 a.m. on Monday morning, attempting to overrun the troops’ position. However, the troops responded with determined and effective fire, forcing the attackers to withdraw after sustaining heavy casualties.

The Acting Military Information Officer, OPHK, Capt. Mohammed Goni, confirmed in a statement that during the engagement, troops neutralised several of the terrorists and recovered weapons, ammunition and communication gadgets.

According to Goni, post-engagement review of the surveillance footage further confirmed several casualties being evacuated by the retreating terrorists. The recovered items and footage are currently undergoing further operational assessment.

He also confirmed that a few troops sustained injuries during the engagement as a part of the defences was temporarily breached, leading to damage to some combat enablers and vehicles from Rocket Propelled Grenade fires.

Goni said the injured personnel were promptly airlifted and are currently stable and receiving medical attention. He said troops have remained firmly deployed in and around the FOB and adjoining areas to dominate the general area, monitor the situation, and prevent any further attempts by the terrorists to re-engage.

Goni urged residents of Gajiram and environs to remain calm and go about their lawful activities, encouraged them to promptly report any suspicious movement or activity to the nearest security agencies or call 07084988859 to support intelligence sharing in the ongoing operations.

“Troops continue to maintain high vigilance in and around Gajiram while exploitation of the operational area and further assessment of terrorists’ casualties and activities remain ongoing.

“Headquarters Theatre Command Operation Hadin Kai reassures the public of its unshakable commitment to sustaining pressure on the ISWAP terrorists until lasting peace and stability are fully restored in the North East.” (The Guardian)