Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled an attempted attack by terrorists on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Gajibo in Borno State, forcing the attackers to retreat following a fierce exchange of fire.
According to Reports obtained by The News Chronicle, the incident occurred at about 3:32 a.m. on Thursday August 20, when troops of the 81 Division Task Force Battalion deployed at FOB Gajibo sighted an unspecified number of terrorists advancing towards the base from two different directions.
The troops immediately engaged the attackers with indirect fire, forcing them to retreat in confusion.
The terrorists later regrouped and launched another advance towards the FOB. However, the troops maintained their defensive positions and engaged them with superior firepower, again forcing the attackers to withdraw in disarray.
At about 6:00 a.m., the troops conducted an exploitation operation along the terrorists’ withdrawal route, where they observed traces of blood, suggesting that some of the attackers may have sustained injuries during the encounter.
The troops also recovered a CamelBak containing suspected drugs, pocket links, rounds of ammunition, slippers and a face mask along the withdrawal route.
No casualty was recorded on the side of the troops, while the number of casualties suffered by the terrorists could not be immediately confirmed.
The troops returned to base at about 7:20 a.m. after completing the exploitation operation.
The successful defence highlights the continued readiness of troops operating under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DESERT SANITY V to protect forward operating bases and deny terrorists freedom of action in the theatre.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remained calm but unpredictable, as troops maintained satisfactory morale and fighting efficiency.
