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By Faheem Lawal
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have repelled a night attack by ISWAP terrorists on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State, killing several insurgents and recovering weapons.
According to the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the terrorists launched the attack at about 11:25 p.m. on July 1, 2026.
Troops of CIB XIX at the base responded with what the military described as exceptional gallantry, engaging the attackers in a fierce firefight and forcing them to retreat in confusion after inflicting heavy casualties and destroying their equipment.
Items recovered from the terrorists include AK-47 rifles, magazines loaded with ammunition and rocket-propelled grenade tubes. Surveillance footage also confirmed the evacuation of several dead and wounded terrorists from the battlefield.
Regrettably, two soldiers and one member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) lost their lives during the encounter. Some equipment was also damaged by rocket-propelled grenade fire.
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The Theatre Command mourned the fallen personnel and extended its condolences to their families.
The military said the attack was a desperate attempt by the terrorists to instil fear among residents and disrupt the ongoing resettlement of more than 950 households recently returned to the Mairari community.
However, no civilian casualties were recorded during the attack.
In a related development, a reinforcement team from Monguno detected and safely detonated two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted along a route before engaging the fleeing terrorists, further disrupting their withdrawal and inflicting additional casualties.
The Theatre Command said the successful repulsion of the attack underscored the operational readiness, resilience and combat effectiveness of OPHK troops. It added that despite the terrorists’ attempt to overrun the base, troops maintained full control and continue to dominate the operational environment through sustained offensive operations.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to defeating terrorism and restoring lasting peace, security and stability across the North-East.
