Army Thwarts ISWAP Attack, Tightens Security in Biu

The Nigerian Army has repelled a coordinated ISWAP assault on a Nigerian Army forward base in Borno State. Troops defeated attackers advancing from two directions, and neutralized several terrorists.

Weapons and other combat equipment were also recovered by the Army Officers, and there were no casualties among their ranks.

This was contained in a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni.

The attack on Forward Operating Base Mandaragirau in Biu Local Government Area commenced at about 02:00 hours on 15 August when ISWAP terrorists simultaneously attacked the base from two fronts, Capt. Goni said.

Early warning and surveillance systems picked up the advancing fighters, and allowed troops to send a combat team to intercept one axis before the attackers could arrive at the position.

“The subsequent engagement resulted in a heavy exchange of fire where the troops defeated the attacking group.

A second group tried to bypass the intercepting force and get into the base, but they met with equally stiff resistance and were forced to fall back under continued fire. Troops immediately went after the retreating terrorists along the contact area and their withdrawal routes. Several terrorists were killed and troops recovered AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, a rocket propelled grenade launcher with bombs and chargers, a camcorder and other combat enabling equipment.

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The statement also said that subsequent to the engagement, surveillance footage provided further evidence of the impact of the engagement, showing terrorists dragging away several bodies of their colleagues toward the Timbuktu Triangle. No Nigerian troops sustained injuries in the operation.

“The result is important beyond the immediate defense of the Mandaragirau position. “The ability to identify the attack before infiltration, engage the attackers on separate axes, and then pursue them after their withdrawal highlights the value of layered surveillance, rapid tactical response and aggressive exploitation in protecting forward operating bases from complex terrorist attacks.”

The Theater Command lauded the troops of 162 Amphibious Battalion for their courage, professionalism and tactical proficiency, while reaffirming its resolve to dominate the battlespace and sustain operations toward restoring lasting peace and security in the Northeast.