Troops under Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised 38
suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during a
coordinated military operation in Borno State.
According to the Joint Task Force, North East, the
clash occurred on Saturday morning after insurgents launched an attack on a
Forward Operating Base in Mandaragirau, located within Sector 2.
In a statement issued by the task force spokesperson,
Sani Uba, troops were said to have responded swiftly using a combination of
ambush tactics and a strong counteroffensive, forcing the attackers to retreat
in disarray.
The Air Component of the operation provided additional
support through targeted airstrikes, increasing pressure on the fleeing
insurgents.
Military authorities revealed that subsequent pursuit
operations along escape routes resulted in further casualties among the
terrorists.
Reports indicate that about 38 insurgents were
neutralised, with eight bodies recovered at the main scene of engagement.
Intelligence gathered from local sources suggested that over 30 additional
bodies and weapons were found scattered along the Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere
axis extending into the Timbuktu Triangle.
During the operation, troops recovered several
weapons, including seven AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, four RPG explosives,
and other ammunition.
No soldier was reported killed in the operation,
although one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle sustained damage
from an RPG strike. Injured personnel were treated and stabilised.
The military noted that the heavy losses inflicted on
the insurgents have boosted morale among residents in surrounding communities
and reaffirmed the continued operational strength of troops in the region.
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