Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have foiled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mairari, dealing what the military described as a major setback to the terrorists’ operations in the area.
The attack, which began late on Friday, December 12, 2025, and stretched into the early hours of Saturday, December 13, was repelled through a combination of coordinated ground action and air support.
In a statement issued on December 13, 2025, the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said the terrorists attempted to force their way into the base using two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs).
“During the attack, terrorists attempted to breach the base using two VBIEDs, both of which were promptly detected and neutralised by our troops, preventing any penetration of the FOB,” Uba said.
He explained that surveillance footage and field reports confirmed that several terrorists were killed during the failed assault, while others sustained serious injuries as surviving fighters evacuated their casualties.
Following the repelled attack, troops of OPHK Sector 3, supported by the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Group, the Nigeria Police Crack Team, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), carried out a comprehensive exploitation of the surrounding area.
According to Uba, the follow-up operation led to the recovery of multiple terrorist bodies and the seizure of a cache of weapons, ammunition, and logistics abandoned during the retreat.
“Recovered items included AK-47 rifles, magazines and ammunition, PKT rounds, hand grenades, motorcycles, communication devices, combat gear, medical supplies, and other materials indicative of sustained terrorist operations,” he said.
He noted that the destruction of the VBIEDs by defensive fire caused damage to two sections of the road leading to the base, but stressed that there was no breach of the FOB, underscoring the preparedness and vigilance of the troops.
Uba added that troops have intensified aggressive patrols in and around Mairari to forestall further attacks and reassure local communities of the military’s continued presence.
“Troops remain resolute in their commitment to decisively defeat all terrorist elements and restore lasting peace and stability across the North East,” he said, adding that the failed attack “underscores the operational readiness and professionalism of our men and women in uniform.”
Operation HADIN KAI, he said, remains focused on protecting civilians, dismantling terrorist networks, and restoring peace and security across the region.
