Nigerian troops have successfully repelled a major Boko Haram and ISWAP attack on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Kangar, Mallam Fatori, Borno State, killing several terrorists and recovering weapons after a fierce pre-dawn battle on Tuesday.
According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), the insurgents launched a coordinated assault on the base around 4:30 a.m., deploying armed drones and mortar fire to target defensive positions.
Troops on ground, supported by reinforcements from the Sector 3 Main Force, fought back with exceptional gallantry and tactical precision, overwhelming the attackers in a prolonged exchange of fire. Close air support was provided by Nigerien fighter aircraft, which helped to neutralize several terrorists and force the remaining gunmen to retreat into the Tumbun waterways.
After the battle, troops carried out a sweep of the area and confirmed the neutralization of six terrorists. They also recovered five AK-47 rifles, eight rifle magazines, 258 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five RPG bombs, four armed drone bombs, five hand grenades, two bandoliers, and one Android phone.
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The statement added that a follow-up airstrike jointly conducted by the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerien Air Force on the retreating militants neutralized additional fighters and destroyed their escape routes.
A few members of the Nigerian military and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained minor injuries during the engagement. They were promptly evacuated by Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) aircraft for treatment and are reported to be in stable condition. The MNJTF also provided intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) support throughout the operation, boosting the troops’ situational awareness.
Exploitation operations are still underway in the surrounding waterways to track fleeing terrorists and prevent regrouping. Military authorities commended the troops for their courage, resilience, and professionalism, assuring Nigerians that operations will continue until total peace and stability are restored to the North East.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces remain unwavering in their commitment to restoring peace and security across the region through sustained and coordinated military efforts,” the statement read.
