Troops Repel ISWAP Attack, Neutralise VBIEDs in Borno

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists on a military base in Mairari, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State, neutralising two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and recovering weapons and logistics abandoned by the attackers.

The attack occurred late Friday as soldiers conducted stabilisation operations in the area. The terrorists attempted to breach the base using two VBIEDs, but vigilant troops detected and neutralised both vehicles before they could cause any damage or penetrate the facility.

CCTV footage from the scene confirmed that several terrorists were killed during the failed assault, while others sustained serious injuries. Surviving members of the group were observed evacuating their dead and wounded as they retreated from the area.

According to the spokesperson of the Theatre Command, Lt. Col. Sani Una, troops from Sector 3 of Operation HADIN KAI and the Multinational Joint Task Force, supported by the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Group, the Nigeria Police Crack Team and the Civilian Joint Task Force, conducted an exploitation of the area in the early hours of December 13, 2025.

He said the operation led to the discovery of multiple terrorist corpses and a cache of weapons, ammunition and logistics abandoned during the attackers’ hasty withdrawal. Items recovered included AK-47 rifles, magazines and ammunition, belts of PKT rounds, hand grenades, motorcycles, communication devices, combat gear, as well as medical and sustainment supplies.

Lt. Col. Una confirmed that the two neutralised VBIEDs were destroyed by the operation’s defensive fire system, causing damage to the road at two separate points. He added that there was no breach of the forward operating base, highlighting the preparedness and resilience of the troops.

Troops are currently maintaining a strong presence in the area through aggressive fighting patrols to prevent further terrorist activity and reassure residents of continued security operations.