By Nkechi Eze
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), supported by the Air Component, have successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist attack in New Marte, Borno State, decimating scores of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in the early hours of Tuesday, May 27.
According to an official signed statement by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command OPHK, the insurgents launched a failed infiltration attempt on a military location in New Marte, but were met with fierce resistance from troops on ground and overwhelming aerial firepower from the Nigerian Air Force.
“In a well-coordinated operation by ground forces bolstered by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), scores of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists were neutralized in a foiled attack on their location in New Marte, Borno State,” the statement read.
The statement revealed that reinforcements from the 24 Task Force Brigade Garrison and the 134 Special Forces Battalion were swiftly deployed, engaging the attackers in a heavy exchange of gunfire.
“A firefight ensued, and reinforcements from 24 Task Force Brigade Garrison and 134 Special Forces Battalion swiftly mobilised to the location, engaging the terrorists with heavy gunfire,” the Army spokesperson stated.
Aerial surveillance and offensive support from the Air Component were instrumental in the counter-offensive, leading to the decimation of several insurgents attempting to flee.
“The Air Component provided immediate Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance, as well as offensive fire support, leading to the decimation of several fleeing terrorists,” the statement confirmed.
Tragically, two soldiers lost their lives during the encounter. The Army described their deaths as the “ultimate sacrifice” in the line of duty.
Following the operation, troops carried out an exploitation of the general area and recovered a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED), an SUV abandoned by the terrorists in their retreat. Several motorcycles used by the insurgents were also destroyed in precision air strikes.
“Troops during exploitation of the general area recovered one of the Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device SUV abandoned by the terrorists during pursuit by troops, including several motorcycles conveying the terrorists destroyed by the precision air strikes of the Air Component of OPHK,” the Army disclosed.
Additionally, the statement noted the discovery of lifeless insurgent bodies and blood trails along their withdrawal route, indicating that more casualties were likely inflicted beyond those recovered.
In a separate but related development, the Army revealed that troops repelled another attempted assault on the Forward Operating Base in Kumshe. The terrorists were met with stiff resistance and suffered further losses.
“Some terrorists also met their waterloo, receiving a bloody nose from the gallant troops, when they made a daring attempt to attack the Forward Operating Base at Kumshe,” the statement added.
The Army praised the determination of its troops and reiterated their commitment to keeping insurgents on the back foot and denying them freedom of action in the theatre.
“The resilient and determined troops have vowed to keep terrorists on the back foot and deny them freedom of action.”
The Nigerian Army also highlighted the synergy between air and ground components as a testament to the strengthened joint operational posture in the region.
“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, in line with the mandate of Operation HADIN KAI,” the statement concluded.
This latest operational success reinforces the military’s resolve to restore peace and security to the region and further demonstrates the effectiveness of integrated operations in counterterrorism efforts.
