Troops repel ISWAP attack on military location in Borno, recover weapons

Troops of 3 battalion (mechanised) 24 task force brigade have repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Ngala LGA of Borno state.

Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, quoted security sources as saying the attack occurred at about 2:44am on Friday when terrorists launched coordinated assaults on the troops’ location from Wurge, Manawaji and Kinuba.

According to the sources, the troops engaged the attackers with superior firepower, supported by reinforcements from battalion headquarters, as well as mortar and artillery fire support, forcing the insurgents to withdraw.

Following the encounter, the fleeing terrorists retreated and scampered into the bushes.

At about 5:45am, troops and auxiliary forces conducted a follow-up exploitation along the withdrawal route towards Wurge, during which three RPG-7 high-explosive unexploded ordnances (UXOs) and two torchlights were recovered.

The sources reportedly said a main battle tank developed technical faults during the aftermath of the engagement, while one soldier sustained injuries from fragments of an RPG blast.

The wounded soldier was evacuated to the 3 battalion regimental aid post (RAP) for medical treatment.

The publication also added that military authorities said clearance and follow-up operations were ongoing in the area to consolidate gains and prevent further terrorist regrouping.

They reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining aggressive counter-terrorism operations across the north-east theatre. (TheCable)