Troops repel terrorist attack in Borno, arrest two in Yobe

Troops repel terrorist attack in Borno, arrest two in Yobe

Troops have repelled attempted attack by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram on a military position in Gajigana, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno state.

Military sources said that the attack occurred late Wednesday when a large group of insurgents riding motorcycles attempted to overrun a forward operating base after breaching defensive barriers.

According to the sources, troops engaged the attackers in a sustained firefight, slowing their advance and inflicting losses, while coordinated aerial surveillance and strike support disrupted the terrorists’ movement corridors.

During the engagement, troops observed that the attackers operated in dispersed motorcycle formations, with approximately 15 riders seen scattering in different directions as defensive and supporting operations were activated.

The sources said one of the fleeing attackers was neutralised during the encounter, while surviving elements withdrew under pressure into surrounding terrain.

The sources said the insurgents attempted to exploit gaps in the base’s defences but were repelled after troops received reinforcements and fire support.

Following the encounter, soldiers recovered a motorcycle and ammunition abandoned by the fleeing attackers.

Meanwhile, the military has stepped-up aerial and ground patrols across key areas of Borno state, including routes linking Auno, Benisheikh, Ngamdu, Konduga, Mafa and Maiduguri, to curb insurgent movement.

Surveillance operations have also been expanded around Alau Dam and other suspected infiltration corridors following intelligence reports suggesting possible attempts by insurgents to regroup.

In Yobe state, troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested two suspected terrorist informants during an intelligence-led operation.

The suspects were apprehended on Wednesday by personnel of the 120 Task Force Battalion in Gonori, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

The suspects were identified as Gambo Bukar, 28, from Kimeri Village and Ahmad Ahmed, 21, from Yari Village, all in Gujba LGA of Yobe State.

The operation followed actionable intelligence indicating that the suspects were serving as informants for Boko Haram and ISWAP elements operating within the area.

The troops acted on the intelligence to track and arrest the suspects, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend a third individual who remains at large.

The two suspects have since been handed over to military authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Security sources said intelligence-driven operations remained a critical component of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist support networks and denying insurgents access to information and logistics.

Meanwhile, the military said the general security situation across the North-East theatre remained calm but unpredictable, necessitating sustained vigilance by troops and other security stakeholders.