Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), ‘Operation HADIN KAI’ have repelled an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a military base 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.
According to a statement by Capt. Mohammed Goni, acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), the troops responded with sustained fire, forcing the attackers to withdraw after suffering heavy casualties.
“During the engagement, troops neutralised several of the terrorists and recovered weapons, ammunition and communication gadgets,” the statement said.
It added that a post-engagement review of surveillance footage confirmed that the retreating terrorists evacuated several casualties from the scene.
The recovered items and footage are currently undergoing further operational assessment.
The military, however, said some troops sustained injuries during the confrontation after part of the defensive position was temporarily breached.
The breach also resulted in damage to some combat enablers and military vehicles from rocket-propelled grenade fire.
The injured personnel were subsequently airlifted and are said to be in stable condition while receiving medical treatment.
Following the attack, troops remained deployed in and around the base and adjoining areas to dominate the area, monitor developments and prevent any further attempt by the terrorists to re-engage.
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The military urged residents of Gajiram and neighbouring communities to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities.
It also appealed to members of the public to report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security agencies or through the designated telephone line, 07084988859, to support ongoing intelligence-gathering efforts.
“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,” the statement said.
The theatre command of ‘Operation HADIN KAI’ reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining military pressure against ISWAP terrorists until lasting peace and stability are restored in the North-East.
