By Tola Gbadamosi
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Joint Task Force North East, have successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Kangar, Mallam Fatori, in Borno State, in the early hours of Tuesday.
According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media and Information Officer, OPHK, the assault launched around 4:30 a.m. by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists involved the use of armed drones and mortar fire aimed at the defensive positions of the base.
Reinforced by the Main Force from the Battalion under Sector 3, the troops reportedly displayed exceptional gallantry and tactical superiority, repelling the attack despite the terrorists’ initial use of drones and indirect fire. Close air support from Nigerien Fighter Ground Attack platforms played a crucial role in the operation.
Overpowered by the joint force’s superior firepower and coordination, the terrorists retreated in disarray into the Tumbuns waterways, evacuating several casualties.
Post-battle exploitation confirmed the neutralisation of six terrorists and the recovery of significant weapons and equipment, including five AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, 258 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five RPG bombs, four armed drone bombs, five hand grenades, two bandoliers, and one Android phone.
Follow-on air interdictions by the Nigerian and Nigerien Air Forces on the fleeing insurgents reportedly neutralised additional scores of terrorists.
A few personnel from OPHK and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained minor injuries during the engagement. They have since been evacuated for medical treatment by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and are in stable condition.
The MNJTF also provided Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) support to enhance situational awareness during the battle.
Military authorities commended the gallant troops for their resilience, courage, and professionalism, reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to restoring peace and stability in the North East through sustained, coordinated operations.