Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have neutralized 38 ISWAP terrorists following an attempted attack in Borno State.
According to a statement on Saturday, by the Media Information Officer of the task force, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the operation took place on Saturday morning after terrorists launched an assault on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mandaragirau, Sector 2.
The troops reportedly responded with coordinated ambushes and a deliberate offensive-defensive strategy, forcing the attackers into a disorganized retreat.
Air support from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI also played a crucial role, delivering targeted strikes to support ground forces and intensify the response.
“Subsequent exploitation along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes inflicted further heavy losses.
“A total of about 38 terrorists were neutralized with 8 bodies recovered so far within the immediate engagement area and human intelligence from locals confirming over 30 additional terrorists’ bodies and weapons strewn along Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis into the Timbuktu Triangle.
“This was evidenced by blood trails and abandoned equipment. Troops also recovered 7 AK-47 rifles, 8 magazines, 4 RPG bombs and assorted ammunition, while recording no fatalities; one MRAP was hit by RPG fire, with injured personnel promptly stabilized.
“The scale of enemy losses has triggered widespread jubilation among local communities and highlights the sustained dominance of OPHK troops in denying terrorists freedom of action,” the statement added.
The military said the successful operation underscores its continued efforts to weaken terrorist activities and maintain security dominance across the region.