Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have successfully repelled an attempted takeover of a military base in Borno State by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), killing several insurgents during a fierce gun battle.
The attack occurred at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Logomani in Ngala Local Government Area of the state, where the terrorists attempted to breach the military position.
The Media Information Officer of OPHK, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed that the insurgents briefly penetrated part of the base’s defensive perimeter before troops regrouped and launched a counter-attack that forced them to retreat.
He, however, confirmed that a soldier lost his life during the confrontation, while two gun trucks and other military equipment were damaged.
“Regrettably, one gallant soldier paid the supreme price, while two gun trucks and some combat enablers sustained damage during the engagement,” Goni stated.
He added that the situation had been brought under control, with additional troops deployed to strengthen security around the area.
“Reinforcements have been deployed, and the situation remains firmly under control,” he said.
In a separate operation, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion rescued two kidnap victims during a search-and-rescue mission in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to the military, the victims were taken to a safe location where they received medical care and psychosocial support. Troops also recovered N1.2 million suspected to be proceeds from criminal activities, as well as food supplies and logistics materials linked to terrorist operations.
Meanwhile, six suspected ISWAP fighters and their families surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion, Sector 1, OPHK.
The military said the group escaped from terrorist hideouts in Guduf Bubayagwa and Chikide areas of the Mandara Mountains in Gwoza Local Government Area. Items recovered from the surrendering insurgents included N1.54 million cash and two mobile phones.
Security forces also arrested suspected criminal elements and logistics suppliers in parts of Adamawa and Borno states, recovering weapons, ammunition, vehicles, cash and other items allegedly connected to terrorist activities.
In Zamfara State, security operatives rescued an abducted Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff member and recovered hundreds of rustled cattle during operations against bandits in Gummi, Talata Mafara and Gusau Local Government Areas.
The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, A.M. Bello, assured residents that the command would sustain its offensive against criminal groups, while urging citizens to provide useful intelligence to security agencies.
The military said the ongoing operations are aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, cutting off their supply routes and restoring peace across the North-East and other troubled regions.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.