Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, Nigerian soldiers repelled a coordinated attack by Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on the New Marte area in Borno state.
The attack began at 1:35am on Tuesday, with personnel of the army and air force engaging the insurgents in a duel.
According to the Nigerian Army, the attack resulted in the death of “several assailants”, with two soldiers also killed.
“In a joint land and air operations, troops of Operation Hadin Kai defeated a BH/ISWAP night attack on New Marte, Borno State in a gruelling battle that commenced at 1:35 am this morning,” the army said in an X post.
“Sadly, two soldiers paid the supreme price while a number of the terrorists were neutralised. Troops are currently in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists.”
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, reported that an unconfirmed number of insurgents targeted the location of the 50 Task Force Battalion in New Marte.
The troops, “bolstered by reinforcements from the 24 Task Force Brigade garrison and the 134 Special Forces Battalion, engaged the terrorists in a gruelling battle”.
The NAF reportedly provided crucial aerial reconnaissance and offensive support, significantly contributing to the “neutralisation of a large number” of fleeing insurgents.
“Two soldiers were killed in action, and equipment casualties included damage to one gun truck and a tyre of a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle,” the publication said.
“An ongoing exploitation operation is being conducted to track down surviving terrorists and recover their weapons and logistics.”
