Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on soldiers conducting stabilisation operations in Mairari, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack, which occurred late on Friday, involved an attempt by the terrorists to breach a military base using two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices. The devices were detected early and neutralised by the troops, preventing any penetration of the Forward Operating Base.
According to the Theatre Command, CCTV footage from the scene confirmed that several terrorists were killed while others sustained serious injuries, with surviving fighters seen evacuating their dead and wounded during their retreat.
The Spokesperson of the Theatre Command, Lt. Col. Sani Una, said that following the failed assault, troops from Sector 3 Operation HADIN KAI and the Multinational Joint Task Force, supported by the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Group, the Nigeria Police Crack Team and the Civilian Joint Task Force, carried out a thorough exploitation of the area in the early hours of December 13, 2025.
He said the operation led to the discovery of multiple terrorist corpses as well as a cache of weapons, ammunition and logistics abandoned during the attackers’ hasty withdrawal.
Items recovered included AK-47 rifles, magazines and ammunition, belts of PKT rounds, hand grenades, motorcycles, communication devices, combat gear, medical supplies and other sustainment materials, significantly degrading the terrorists’ operational capability in the area.
Lt. Col. Una also confirmed that the two VBIEDs were destroyed by the operation’s defensive fire system, causing damage to the road at two separate points, but stressed that no breach of the base was recorded, underscoring the preparedness and resilience of the troops.
He added that troops are currently dominating the general area with aggressive fighting patrols to prevent further terrorist activity and reassure residents of a sustained security presence.
