By Peter Omopo
Troops have successfully repelled an attempted assault by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mairari, Borno State, neutralising two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) during the encounter.
Security sources disclosed on Saturday that the insurgents launched the attack in the early hours of Friday but were decisively countered by troops, resulting in heavy casualties among the attackers. Several ISWAP fighters were reportedly killed, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The sources said a follow-up exploitation operation was conducted in the area by troops of Sector 3 Stabilisation Operation, supported by the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Force, the Nigeria Police crack team and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
During the operation, troops reportedly discovered several terrorist corpses and recovered assorted items believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing insurgents. The recovered items included five motorcycles, two Android phones, AK-47 rifles, a belt containing 165 rounds of PKT ammunition, five AK-47 magazines loaded with 30 rounds each, and 59 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Other items recovered were blankets, a hand grenade, a combat boot, a flak jacket, plastic bottles containing engine oil, a stretcher, a wristwatch, a camel bag, spinners and a motorcycle pump.
The sources added that the two VBIEDs used in the attack were destroyed by troops using SHILKA firepower, causing significant damage to the road at two separate points. The insurgents were said to have later evacuated their dead and wounded from the scene following the failed assault.
No casualty was recorded on the side of the troops, who, according to the sources, remain dominant in the area and have continued fighting patrols to secure the general environment.
The successful defence of the base, the sources noted, underscores ongoing military efforts to degrade terrorist operations in the North-East.
