Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have foiled multiple coordinated attempts by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists to infiltrate Maiduguri and Buratai areas of Borno State, forcing the insurgents to retreat after intense engagements.
The attempted attacks occurred between 12:20am and 2:30am on Friday, when the terrorists simultaneously advanced towards Muna Garage, Shuwari Village and the Ajilari Cross area in an apparent bid to gain access into the Maiduguri metropolis.
A statement issued yesterday by the acting military information officer, OPHK, Captain Mohammed Goni, said troops, in separate incidents, also successfully thwarted additional infiltration attempts by the terrorists at Miringa and Dutsen Kura in Buratai.
Goni said during the pursuit of the fleeing terrorists at Miringa, a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle triggered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), with no casualties recorded among troops, adding that the situation remains stable.
Overwhelmed by the troops’ swift tactical manoeuvres, Goni said the terrorists were forced to abandon their mission and retreat in confusion across all axes.
The OPHK spokesman added that troops are currently conducting clearance and exploitation operations to pursue the fleeing terrorists, consolidate operational gains, dominate the area and prevent any further threats to nearby communities.