Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in the early hours of Tuesday, 27 May 2025, foiled an attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on their location in New Marte, Borno State.
A statement by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, OPHK, Captain Reuben Kovangiva, said the attack was repelled by a combined effort of ground forces and the Air Component of OPHK.
Captain Kovangiva said scores of the assailants were eliminated while two soldiers paid the supreme price in the encounter.
According to Acting Deputy Director, the terrorists attempted to infiltrate the troops’ location, but were met with heavy gunfire.
He added that the Air Component provided immediate Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and offensive fire support, leading to the decimation of several fleeing terrorists.
“Regrettably, two soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice during the encounter,” he said.
He, however, said troops recovered one Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) SUV abandoned by the terrorists while being pursued and destroyed several motorcycles conveying the hoodlums.
Kovangiva added that during exploitation of the area, troops discovered lifeless bodies of the terrorists, with traces of blood on their withdrawal routes, indicating additional casualties inflicted on the terrorists.
In a related development, troops also repelled a daring attempt by terrorists to attack the Forward Operating Base at Kumshe.
He said, “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”.
