Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have repelled an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a Forward Operating Base in Gajiram, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno.
The Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja on Monday.
According to the statement, the attack occurred at about 12:20 am on Monday when a large number of terrorists attempted to overrun the military position.
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“The gallant troops responded with determined and effective fire, forcing the attackers to withdraw after sustaining heavy casualties,” the statement said.
The military said several terrorists were neutralised during the encounter, while weapons, ammunition and communication gadgets were recovered.
It added that a review of surveillance footage after the engagement confirmed that the retreating terrorists evacuated several casualties from the area.
The recovered items and surveillance footage are undergoing further operational assessment, according to the statement.
The military, however, disclosed that some troops sustained injuries after part of the defence was temporarily breached during the attack, resulting in damage to some combat equipment and vehicles from Rocket-Propelled Grenade fire.
The injured personnel were subsequently airlifted and are said to be stable and receiving medical attention.
Following the attack, the military said troops remained deployed in and around the Forward Operating Base and adjoining areas to dominate the area, monitor developments and prevent further attempts by the terrorists to attack.
The military urged residents of Gajiram and neighbouring communities to remain calm and continue their lawful activities.
It also called on members of the public to report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security agency or through 07084988859 to support ongoing intelligence efforts.
The statement added that troops remained on high alert in and around Gajiram, while exploitation of the operational area and further assessment of the terrorists’ casualties and activities continued.