Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully thwarted a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mairari, dealt a significant blow to the insurgents’ operational capability in the area.
The assault, which began late on 12 December and continued into the early hours of Friday, was foiled through coordinated ground and air operations. According to Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of OPHK, terrorists attempted to breach the base using two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs), both of which were detected and neutralised by the troops, preventing any damage to the FOB.
CCTV footage and field reports confirmed that several terrorists were killed, while others sustained injuries as surviving militants evacuated their dead and wounded.
Following the failed attack, OPHK troops of Sector 3, supported by the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Group, Nigeria Police Crack Team, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), conducted thorough operations in the area. The effort led to the discovery of multiple terrorist casualties and the seizure of weapons, ammunition, and other logistics abandoned during their retreat.
Recovered items included AK-47 rifles, magazines and ammunition, PKT rounds, hand grenades, motorcycles, communication devices, combat gear, and medical supplies evidence of sustained terrorist operations in the region.
The two neutralised VBIEDs were destroyed by defensive fire, causing limited damage along the roadway but no breach of the FOB, highlighting the preparedness and resilience of the troops.
OPHK continued to conduct aggressive patrols to prevent further terrorist activity and reassure local communities of the ongoing security presence. The failed attack at Mairari underscores the operational readiness and professionalism of Nigerian troops in the fight against terrorism.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba reaffirmed the commitment of the troops to defeating terrorist elements and restoring peace and stability across the North East.
