Nigerian military forces successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on their base in New Marte, Borno State, in the early hours of Tuesday, killing dozens of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters while losing two soldiers in the fierce battle.
The assault on the Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) facility was thwarted through joint efforts between ground troops and air support, according to Captain Reuben Kovangiva, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the operation.
The terrorists attempted to infiltrate the military location but encountered heavy resistance from Nigerian forces. Air support units provided immediate intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and offensive firepower that proved decisive in repelling the attack and pursuing fleeing militants.
“Regrettably, two soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice during the encounter,” Captain Kovangiva stated, while confirming that scores of attackers were eliminated in the confrontation.
During the operation, troops recovered significant terrorist equipment, including a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) SUV abandoned by fleeing militants. Several motorcycles used by the attackers were also destroyed during the pursuit.
Military personnel conducting post-battle reconnaissance discovered multiple terrorist bodies and blood trails along withdrawal routes, indicating additional casualties among the fleeing fighters beyond those confirmed killed during the initial engagement.
In a separate incident, troops also successfully defended against another terrorist attempt to breach the Forward Operating Base at Kumshe.
Captain Kovangiva emphasized that the coordinated military response demonstrated improved joint operations capability in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign. “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,” he said.
The attacks represent continued insurgent activity in Nigeria’s northeastern region, where security forces have been battling Boko Haram and its ISWAP affiliate for over a decade in efforts to restore stability to the area.