Security Forces Successfully Counter ISWAP Assault in Borno State
Troops from Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) of the Joint Task Force in Northeast Nigeria successfully repelled a coordinated nighttime attack by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mailari, Guzamara Local Government Area, Borno State. The insurgents suffered significant casualties and retreated under heavy fire from the military.
Details of the Attack
According to Colonel Mohamed Goni, acting military intelligence officer for Operation Hadin Kai, the assault occurred around 11:25 p.m. on July 1, 2026. The attackers targeted a military position but were met with fierce resistance from CIB XIX troops, who engaged in a resolute firefight.
Military Response and Evidence
The troops displayed remarkable bravery during the encounter, managing to inflict substantial losses on the attackers. Following the skirmish, soldiers recovered a range of equipment abandoned by the retreating insurgents, which included AK-47 rifles, fully loaded magazines, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launchers, and various other gear. Surveillance footage corroborated reports that the terrorists fled the scene, evacuating both dead and injured militants.
Context of the Assault
This raid occurred shortly after the resettlement of over 950 families in the Mailari community. The military characterized the attack as a desperate attempt by the insurgents to sow fear among residents and destabilize the resettlement process. Remarkably, no civilian casualties were reported as a result of the incident.
Casualties Among Military Personnel
Unfortunately, the offensive resulted in the loss of two soldiers and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) during the intense firefighting. Additionally, some military equipment sustained damage from RPG fire throughout the engagement.
Reinforcements and Ongoing Operations
In a noteworthy follow-up, Goni revealed that a reinforcement team dispatched from Monguno successfully detected and detonated two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that had been planted along the route the insurgents were using for their retreat. This swift action likely contributed to further casualties among the fleeing terrorists.
Operational Readiness and Future Commitment
The defense of the military base underscores the high operational readiness and combat effectiveness of the forces involved in Operation Hadin Kai. Despite the persistent efforts by terrorists to seize control of the area, the military has maintained full command of the FOB and continues to assert dominance across the operational landscape. Theater command expressed admiration for the courage, resilience, and fighting spirit of the troops who averted a potential takeover. They reiterated their unwavering dedication to combating terrorism and restoring lasting peace and security in Northeast Nigeria.
