According to a security intelligence expert, citing sources, the terrorists attempted to overrun the base in the early hours of Saturday, but were decisively thwarted by troops on duty.
Troops of the Nigerian military have repelled a failed attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari in Borno State, neutralising two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) and recovering arms during a follow-up operation.
According to a security intelligence expert, citing sources, the terrorists attempted to overrun the base in the early hours of Saturday, but were decisively thwarted by troops on duty.
“The terrorists advanced towards the base using VBIEDs, but the alertness and firepower of the troops forced them to retreat,” one of the sources told Zagazola Makama.
“Two VBIEDs were successfully neutralised before they could cause any damage.”
According to the sources, several terrorists were killed during the exchange of fire, while others sustained gunshot wounds.
“After the failed assault, intelligence reports and battlefield observations confirmed that the terrorists were seen evacuating their dead and injured from the area,” another source disclosed.
The military was said to have conducted a follow-up operation around the vicinity of the base, leading to the recovery of arms, ammunition and other items believed to belong to the fleeing terrorists.
“The situation at FOB Mairari remains calm, and troops are maintaining dominance of the area,” the source added, noting that no casualties were recorded on the side of the military.
The Nigerian military authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but the successful defence of the base is seen as another setback for ISWAP’s operations in the North-East.