Troops beat back ISWAP assault on Borno base, kill terrorists

On Friday night, troops serving under Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled a coordinated assault carried out by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) against a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mairari, Borno State, and in the process killed several terrorists.…

Confirming the attack in a statement on Saturday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, Lt Colonel Sani Uba, said the terrorists attempted to breach the base using two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs).

He, however, stated that both devices were promptly detected and neutralised by the troops, preventing any penetration of the base.

The statement read, “Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mairari, dealing a decisive blow to the group’s operational capability in the area. The assault, which began late on 12 December 2025 and continued into the early hours of 13 December, was thwarted through coordinated ground and air operations.

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“During the attack, terrorists attempted to breach the base using two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs). Both devices were promptly detected and neutralised by the troops, preventing any penetration of the base. CCTV footage and field observations confirmed that several terrorists were killed, while others sustained serious injuries as surviving elements evacuated their dead and wounded.”
One of the neutralised terrorist. Photo: Nigerian Army

Lt Colonel Uba added that following the failed assault, OPHK troops of Sector 3, supported by the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Group, the Nigeria Police Crack Team, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), conducted a thorough exploitation of the area.

“The operation led to the discovery of multiple terrorist casualties and the seizure of weapons, ammunition and logistics abandoned during their retreat,” he said.

He further noted that the recovered items included AK-47 rifles, magazines and ammunition, PKT rounds, hand grenades, motorcycles, communication devices, combat gear, medical supplies, and other materials indicative of sustained terrorist operations.

“These recoveries have further degraded the terrorists’ operational capacity and denied them freedom of action in the area,” he said.

According to him, the two neutralised VBIEDs were destroyed by OPHK defensive fire, causing damage to two points along the road.

“Importantly, there was no breach of the FOB, highlighting the preparedness, vigilance and resilience of the troops. Troops are currently conducting aggressive patrols in the area to prevent further terrorist activity and reassure local communities of the continued security presence.”

Sani assured that the troops remain resolute in their commitment to decisively defeat all terrorist elements and restore lasting peace and stability across the North East.

“The failed attack at Mairari underscores the operational readiness and professionalism of our men and women in uniform. Operation Hadin Kai continues to prioritise the protection of civilians, the disruption of terrorist networks and the restoration of peace across the region,” he said.
Isah Ojo