Nigerian troops repel ISWAP assault on Mairari base

By Zainab Uzomah

Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on a forward operating base in Mairari, in Borno State, destroying two car bombs and killing several militants, the military says.

In a statement signed by the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the attack began late on 12 December and continued into the early hours of 13 December, but was foiled through a combination of ground defence and air support.

The military said the attackers attempted to breach the base using two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs), both of which were detected and neutralised before reaching their targets. Surveillance footage and field reports showed that a number of militants were killed, while others were wounded and forced to withdraw with their casualties.

After the failed assault, troops from Sector 3, supported by a quick reaction force, police crack teams and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, carried out clearance operations in the surrounding area. The army said the sweep led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition and logistics abandoned by the retreating fighters.

Items seized included assault rifles, magazines, large quantities of ammunition, hand grenades, motorcycles, communication equipment, combat gear and medical supplies, which the military said pointed to sustained militant activity in the area.

The two VBIEDs were destroyed by defensive fire, damaging sections of the road but failing to breach the base. The military said no position was overrun, describing the defence as evidence of the troops’ preparedness and resilience.

Soldiers are continuing aggressive patrols around Mairari to prevent further attacks and reassure residents, the statement added, as Operation Hadin Kai reiterated its commitment to degrading militant networks and restoring security across north-eastern Nigeria.