Troops have thwarted an unsuccessful assault by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari in Borno State, destroying two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) and seizing weapons and additional materials in a subsequent operation.
Sources indicated on Saturday that the attackers tried to assault the base but were stopped, resulting in several fatalities and injuries among them.
A different source reported that the terrorists removed their casualties and wounded following the unsuccessful attack.
According to the sources, “At about 6:10 a.m. on Friday, troops of Sector 3 Stabilization Operation, supported by the Theater Command Quick Reaction Force, the Nigeria Police crack team, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), conducted an exploitation operation in the area.
“During the exploitation, troops discovered several terrorist corpses and recovered assorted items, including five motorcycles, two Android phones, AK-47 rifles, a belt containing 165 rounds of PKT ammunition, five AK-47 magazines loaded with 30 rounds each, and 59 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition.
“Other items recovered included blankets, a hand grenade, a combat boot, a flak jacket, plastic bottles containing engine oil, a stretcher, a wristwatch, a camel bag, spinners, and a motorcycle pump.
“Two VBIEDs used in the attack were destroyed by troops using SHILKA firepower, resulting in significant damage to the road at two separate points.
“No casualty was recorded on the side of the troops. They remain dominant and have continued fighting patrols to secure the general area,” sources added.
