National Wire About Nigerians, Nigerian Business and Other Stories
By Dayo Emmanuel
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have repelled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a military location in Mairari, Borno State, neutralising two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) and recovering arms and logistics abandoned by the fleeing insurgents.
The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) reported that the attack occurred in the late hours of Friday, December 12, 2025, and continued into the early hours of Sunday, December 14, as troops conducted stabilisation operations in the area. The assault was described as a desperate attempt by the terrorists to breach the Forward Operating Base (FOB) and disrupt ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
According to the report, the terrorists advanced towards the base using two VBIEDs in an effort to force entry. However, the devices were promptly detected and neutralised by vigilant troops, preventing any penetration of the military facility. CCTV footage from the base confirmed that several terrorists were killed during the engagement, while others sustained severe injuries. Survivors were seen evacuating their dead and wounded from the scene under fire.
Following the failed attack, troops of Sector 3 OPHK, in collaboration with the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Theatre Command Quick Reaction Group, Nigeria Police Crack Team, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), launched a thorough exploitation of the area in the early hours of Saturday, December 13. The operation led to the discovery of multiple terrorist corpses and a cache of weapons, ammunition, and logistics abandoned during the insurgents’ hasty withdrawal.
Items recovered include AK-47 rifles, magazines and assorted ammunition, belts of PKT rounds, hand grenades, motorcycles, communication gadgets, combat gear, as well as medical and sustainment supplies. Military sources said the recovery of these items has further degraded the operational capacity of ISWAP elements in the area and curtailed their freedom of action.
Although the two VBIEDs were destroyed by OPHK’s defensive fire system, resulting in damage to the road at two separate points, no breach of the Forward Operating Base was recorded. This, according to the military, underscores the preparedness, resilience, and professionalism of the troops.
Troops are currently dominating the general area with aggressive fighting patrols to prevent further terrorist activities and reassure local communities of the military’s continued presence and commitment to their safety.
Meanwhile, in a related development, Nigerian troops have recorded another major success in Niger State, where they overran the notorious Lakurawa terrorist camp in Borgu Local Government Area. The camp, reportedly controlled by a terrorist leader identified as Amir Tajudeen, was dismantled during a decisive offensive that led to the neutralisation of over 40 terrorists.
Military authorities described the operation as a significant boost to ongoing counterterrorism efforts, reaffirming the resolve of Nigerian troops to dismantle all terrorist networks and restore lasting peace and stability across affected regions.
