Two soldiers have been confirmed dead following a fresh attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on the Nigerian Army’s Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) base in New Marte, Borno State, on Tuesday.
The incident was disclosed by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations for OPHK, Captain Reuben Kovangiva, who stated that the attack was repelled through a coordinated effort between ground troops and the Air Component of OPHK.
“Scores of the attackers were killed as troops engaged them with heavy gunfire,” he said.
Captain Kovangiva explained that the Air Component of the operation provided swift Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) alongside offensive fire support that forced the terrorists to retreat.
“The terrorists, whose number had dwindled after some of them had been killed, had to flee,” he noted.
Troops reportedly recovered a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) SUV abandoned by the fleeing terrorists and destroyed several motorcycles that were being used by the attackers.
In a related incident, Kovangiva said troops also repelled another attempted attack by terrorists on the Forward Operating Base at Kumshe.
“The collaborative effort demonstrates the renewed jointness and team spirit in the fight against terrorism, geared towards bringing lasting peace to enable socio-economic activities thrive in the North East region,” he concluded.
