Troops in Borno State have repelled a pre-dawn terrorist attack on a Forward Operating Base in Magumeri Local Government Area, inflicting heavy casualties on the assailants in a fierce exchange of fire.
Suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters stormed the military base, killing two soldiers, four members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and injuring the commanding officer. In a statement issued on Thursday, the military said troops of Operation Hadin Kai, a joint task force in the North-east, came under attack in the early hours of 7 May at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Magumeri under Sector 3.
According to the statement signed by the spokesperson for the operation, Sani Uba, the terrorists attempted to infiltrate the base under the cover of poor visibility but were decisively contained by troops after what it described as an intense battle.
“Although the terrorists recorded minor breaches on an isolated section of the camp, troops fought gallantly and decisively contained and defeated the attack by neutralising scores of the terrorists”, Uba said.
He added that a follow-up assessment of the area showed “extensive blood trails, body drags and the recovery of terrorist corpses”, indicating significant losses suffered by the attackers during the failed raid.
The military also confirmed the recovery of weapons and ammunition abandoned by fleeing insurgents, including PKT anti-aircraft guns, AK-47 rifles and magazines.
However, it acknowledged losses on its side, stating that two soldiers were killed in action while an officer and other wounded personnel are receiving medical care.
Uba also disclosed that parts of the base and some equipment were damaged by fire during the exchange.
He said troops have continued clearance operations in the surrounding areas to consolidate gains and assess the full extent of damage inflicted on the insurgents.
The military high command commended the troops for their “impressive battle performance” and urged sustained offensive operations across the North-east theatre.
