ISWAP fighters suffer casualties as troops defend Borno military bases

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have inflicted heavy casualties on suspected ISWAP fighters while successfully defending military formations in Borno State during coordinated counter-operations against insurgent attacks.

The military disclosed that one of the attacks targeted the 120 Task Force Battalion in Gonori late Saturday night, when insurgents reportedly advanced toward the base from the Mandunari axis.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesperson of the joint task force in the North-East, Sani Uba, said troops detected the movement of the terrorists early and launched a combined air and ground offensive before the attackers could infiltrate the camp.

According to the military, fighter aircraft later carried out air strikes on the fleeing insurgents, inflicting heavy casualties on them during the operation.

The army said troops successfully defended the base, adding that no part of the camp was taken over and no equipment was lost during the confrontation.

Security operatives also recovered weapons and ammunition from the scene, including machine guns and AK-47 rifles abandoned by the insurgents.

The military, however, disclosed that some soldiers sustained injuries during the exchange of fire but are currently receiving treatment and are in stable condition.

In a separate incident, troops of the 212 Battalion also foiled an attempted attack by suspected ISWAP/JAS fighters on a Forward Operating Base in Gajigana, Magumeri Local Government Area, forcing the attackers to retreat after a gun battle.