Troops repel coordinated Boko Haram, ISWAP attacks in Borno communities

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled coordinated attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on several communities in Borno State.

 

The attacks targeted military positions in Jakana, Mainok, Konduga and Marte communities across Konduga and Marte Local Government Areas.

 

The development was disclosed on Friday in a statement by the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba.

 

According to the statement, the insurgents launched the attacks between about 10:30 p.m. on Thursday and 3:00 a.m. on Friday.

 

Troops, supported by reinforcement teams from Sectors 1 and 2, engaged the attackers in intense gun battles and eventually forced them to retreat.

 

The military said several insurgents, including some of their commanders, were killed during the operation.

 

Air strikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI also targeted fleeing fighters and suspected terrorist positions, further weakening the attackers.

 

However, the military confirmed that some soldiers were killed during the clashes, including an officer who was leading troops during the operation.

 

Some structures within the affected locations were also damaged during the fighting, although the military said all bases remained under its control.

 

Ground troops have since commenced follow-up operations in the affected areas to recover weapons and other equipment abandoned by the insurgents.

 

The attempted assaults occurred less than two days after suspected terrorists reportedly attacked Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area, leaving casualties and displacing residents.