Heavy Casualties as Troops Repel ISWAP Attack on Borno Military Base

BORNO, NIGERIA – Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have decisively thwarted a major infiltration attempt by Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Magumeri.

​The encounter, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, May 7, resulted in the neutralization of scores of insurgents and the recovery of a significant cache of high-grade weaponry. However, the victory came at a cost, as the Nigerian Army confirmed that two soldiers lost their lives during the intense firefight.

​The Midnight Infiltration

​The terrorists reportedly launched the assault under the cover of poor visibility, attempting to catch the base off guard. Military sources indicate that the insurgents managed to breach a small, isolated section of the camp before being met with a fierce counter-offensive.

​Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for OPHK, stated that the troops “fought gallantly,” containing the breach and forcing the attackers into a disorganized retreat.

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​Decisive Blow and Weapon Recovery

​Post-battle exploitation of the general area revealed a grim scene for the insurgents. Extensive blood trails and body drags were discovered, confirming that many terrorists were killed or severely wounded during the failed assault. Several corpses were recovered on-site.

​In addition to the human toll, the fleeing terrorists abandoned several heavy arms, including:

• ​PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns
• ​AK-47 assault rifles
• ​Multiple loaded magazines

​Casualties and Damage Assessment

​While the military successfully held the base, Lieutenant Colonel Uba confirmed the “supreme price” paid by two soldiers. One officer and several other personnel sustained injuries; they are currently reported to be in stable condition at a military medical facility.

​The battle also resulted in fire damage to some military equipment and temporary housing structures within the base.

​Military Command Reacts

​The Military High Command has lauded the “unyielding fighting spirit” of the OPHK troops. In a statement issued from the Headquarters in the North East, the command urged personnel to maintain the current operational tempo to ensure the total denial of freedom of action for terrorists across the theatre.

​Troops are currently conducting mop-up operations in the Magumeri general area to consolidate gains and ensure no remnants of the attacking force remain in the vicinity.