By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Troops of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have successfully repelled coordinated terrorist attacks on Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Gajiram and Mairari communities of Borno State, inflicting casualties on the attackers and recovering weapons and other combat equipment.
The military also recorded another operational breakthrough with the surrender of two Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists, including a Qaid (commander), who laid down their arms and surrendered to troops in Bama Local Government Area.
Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement issued in Maiduguri on Friday, noting that the successes were achieved through coordinated ground and air operations supported by Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets.
According to the statement, terrorists advancing towards FOB Gajiram in Nganzai Local Government Area on September 17 were detected early by vigilant troops. The troops immediately adopted defensive measures while the Air Component of OPHK provided close air support, forcing the insurgents to withdraw into adjoining areas.
Goni further stated that later the same night, ISWAP fighters launched an attack on FOB Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area but were met with stiff resistance from troops backed by robust air support. The coordinated response successfully contained the assault and inflicted casualties on the terrorists.
Following the engagement, troops conducted exploitation operations in the area and recovered four terrorist corpses, AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) bombs, a camcorder and other items. Troops injured during the encounter were stabilised and airlifted to hospital for treatment.
The military spokesperson added that the Commander of Sector 3 OPHK subsequently visited the affected locations to assess the situation, commend troops and coordinate follow-up actions. The bases have since been reinforced while troops continue clearance operations to prevent terrorists from regrouping.
In a related development, sustained military pressure across the theatre led to the surrender of two JAS terrorists, including a commander, to troops of Sector 1 OPHK along the Miyanti–Darel Jamel axis in Bama Local Government Area on the night of September 16.
The surrendered terrorists handed over three AK-47 rifles, five magazines, a motorcycle and quantities of ammunition. They are currently in military custody undergoing preliminary investigation and profiling.
The Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, commended the troops, MNJTF ISR personnel and aircrew for their vigilance, courage and professionalism. He reiterated the military’s commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements across the North-East and urged insurgents still in the bush to surrender through established channels while encouraging members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
