, in the early hours of 27 May successfully repelled a coordinated attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP){kind=link}
Troops deployed under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in the early hours of 27 May successfully repelled a coordinated attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists targeting their location in New Marte, Borno State.
This prompt and decisive action was the result of a combined effort between ground forces and the Operation Hadin Kai Air Component, showcasing the strength of joint military operations in the ongoing fight against terrorism in the region.
Captain Reuben Kovangiva, acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for OPHK, provided an official statement detailing the encounter.
According to Captain Kovangiva, the terrorists launched an infiltration attempt aimed at breaching the troops’ defensive position. However, they were met with intense and sustained gunfire, which significantly disrupted their plans and inflicted substantial losses.
The Air Component played a critical role during the engagement by providing immediate Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, alongside offensive fire support.
This aerial intervention was instrumental in tracking and decimating several terrorists as they attempted to flee the area. The combination of ground and air operations ultimately led to the elimination of numerous insurgents, underscoring the effectiveness of integrated military tactics.
Despite the successful defense, the encounter came at a cost. Captain Kovangiva solemnly confirmed that two soldiers paid the supreme price, making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their bravery and dedication are honored as part of the continuing effort to restore peace and security to the region.
Following the clash, troops conducted thorough exploitation of the area, uncovering additional evidence of the terrorists’ presence and losses. Among the recovered items was a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) — an SUV abandoned by the fleeing terrorists during pursuit.
Several motorcycles used by the insurgents were also destroyed. Furthermore, lifeless bodies of terrorists were discovered along their withdrawal routes, marked by traces of blood, indicating that the troops had inflicted further casualties beyond those immediately apparent during the fight.
In a related incident, the troops also successfully repelled a daring attempt by terrorists to attack the Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Kumshe. This further exemplifies the resilience and vigilance of Nigerian forces in protecting strategic installations against persistent threats.
Captain Kovangiva emphasized that these joint operations exemplify the renewed spirit of collaboration and teamwork among security forces engaged in the counterterrorism campaign.
He stated, “The collaborative effort demonstrates the renewed jointness and team spirit in the fight against terrorism, geared towards bringing lasting peace to enable socio-economic activities to thrive in the North East region.”
These developments reaffirm the commitment of Operation Hadin Kai to decisively confront and dismantle terrorist networks, thereby creating a safer environment conducive to the recovery and development of communities affected by decades of insurgency.