Troops repel ISWAP attack on Military Base in Borno, recover explosive devices

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Battalion (Main) under the 24 Task Force Brigade have successfully thwarted a coordinated attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists on a military position in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources told Makama Zagazola, an intelligent expert, that that the attack occurred at about 2:44 a.m. on June 12 when the insurgents launched simultaneous assaults on the troops’ location from the Wurge, Manawaji and Kinuba axes.

The troops responded swiftly, engaging the attackers with sustained firepower and receiving reinforcement from the battalion headquarters. The operation was further bolstered by mortar and artillery support, forcing the terrorists to abandon the offensive and retreat into surrounding bushes.

Following the successful defence of the position, troops, supported by auxiliary forces, launched a follow-up exploitation operation along the terrorists’ withdrawal route towards Wurge at about 5:45 a.m.

During the clearance exercise, security personnel recovered three unexploded RPG-7 high-explosive ordnances and two torchlights believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing insurgents.

Sources said one main battle tank developed a technical fault in the aftermath of the engagement, while a soldier sustained injuries from fragments of a rocket-propelled grenade blast.

The injured soldier was immediately evacuated to the 3 Battalion Regimental Aid Post for treatment and is receiving medical attention.

Military authorities said follow-up clearance operations remain ongoing to consolidate gains recorded during the operation and prevent the insurgents from regrouping in the area.

They reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups across the North-East and restoring lasting peace and security to affected communities.