NIGERIAN troops under Operation Hadin Kai have thwarted a major attack by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on their base in Mallam Fatori, Borno State.
According to Lt-Col Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for the operation, the insurgents launched the assault around 4:30 a.m. yesterday, targeting the Forward Operating Base in Kangar with drones and mortar fire.
The troops, reinforced by Sector 3, repelled the attack through “exceptional gallantry and tactical superiority,” Uba said in a statement posted on the Nigerian Army’s official Facebook page.
Despite heavy enemy fire, the soldiers maintained their position with air support from Nigerien fighter jets.
The terrorists eventually retreated into the Tumbun waterways, reportedly taking several of their dead and injured fighters.
After the confrontation, the troops recovered six terrorist bodies, five AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, over 250 rounds of ammunition, rocket-propelled grenades, hand grenades, drone bombs, and an Android phone.
Joint airstrikes by Nigerian and Nigerien forces reportedly killed more fleeing insurgents.
Some soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force sustained minor injuries and have been evacuated for medical treatment.
Meanwhile, the trial of two high-profile terror suspects, Mahmud Usman and Abubakar Abba—alleged leaders of the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (ANSARU)—will continue on November 19 at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The Department of State Services (DSS) captured the duo in a high-risk operation in July. Usman, known as the self-proclaimed Emir of ANSARU, is accused of coordinating terrorist sleeper cells and financing terrorism through kidnappings and robberies.
His deputy, Abba, allegedly led the “Mahmudawa” cell, which operated around Kainji National Park on the Nigeria–Benin border.
The pair face 32 terrorism-related charges, including illegal mining.
Usman has pleaded guilty to one count and received a 15-year sentence, while Abba maintains his innocence.
The Defence Headquarters has commended the troops for their bravery and reiterated the military’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in the North-East.