Troops firmly in control of Northeast bases —DHQ
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said that troops fighting terrorists in the North-East remain “firmly in control” of all their bases and have continued to dominate the operational environment in
- Terrorists suffer heavy losses as soldiers repel attack
- Calm returns in Obubra as army foils gunmen's ambush
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said that troops fighting terrorists in the North-East remain “firmly in control” of all their bases and have continued to dominate the operational environment in the region.
The military high command disclose this after troops repelled a terrorist infiltration attempt in Sector 1 at Bitta, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, dealing a heavy blow to the attackers.
The development marks the third major setback suffered by the terrorists within 24 hours, following the failed attacks on Banki and Azir Bridge.
The Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt-Col. Sani Uba, said in a statement yesterday that the failed attack occurred when Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, in a desperate bid to regain relevance after recent setbacks, attempted to infiltrate the troops' location.
Uba said unknown to the terrorists, the troops had anticipated their move and deliberately prepared a decisive offensive-defensive battle plan.
He said: “As the terrorists advanced towards the position, the troops launched coordinated spoiling actions that effectively disrupted the assault formation while simultaneously manoeuvring to cut off the terrorists' withdrawal routes.
“The attackers were consequently met with overwhelming resistance and superior firepower, forcing them into a chaotic withdrawal while suffering significant losses.”
Uba said the successive setbacks underscore the sustained operational pressure by troops across the theatre, adding that it has severely constrained the terrorists' freedom of action and denied them opportunities to exploit propaganda narratives.
“Troops remain firmly in control of all locations and continue to dominate the operational environment with high morale, superior tactical coordination and sustained offensive action,” he said.
Calm returns in Obubra as troops foil gunmen's ambush
In Cross River State, troops from the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army successfully repelled an ambush by armed criminals while responding to a distress call arising from a communal dispute in Odonget Community, Obubra Local Government Area in Cross River Central.
The incident occurred when troops deployed at Ochon and Alesi received credible information regarding rising tension linked to an intra-communal disagreement in Odonget Community in Obubra.
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Acting swiftly to prevent a breakdown of law and order, the troops mobilised to the area, where they conducted patrols and a show of force, which helped to calm the situation and restore normalcy between the affected parties.
Military spokesman, Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director Army PR, however disclosed that while returning to their respective locations after stabilising the situation, the troops discovered that their route had been deliberately blocked by some unidentified persons.
He said that while efforts were being made to clear the obstruction, the soldiers came under a coordinated attack by unknown gunmen, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Following a contact report from the troops on ground, reinforcements from 245 Battalion were immediately deployed with armoured and tactical support vehicles to counter the attack.
The prompt response enabled the troops to successfully repel the attackers and clear the ambush.
Sokoya said in the aftermath of the incident, troops had commenced cordon and search operations in suspected communities linked to the attackers to track down the fleeing criminals and prevent further security breaches.
In addition, he said, a curfew had been imposed in the affected area to forestall further breakdown of law and order and to deny miscreants the freedom to operate.
Meanwhile, in an interview with Sokoya, Major Assistant Director Army PR, yesterday morning, the army clarified that no member of their team died.
“No soldier died during the incidents and operations in Obubra,” Sokoya said, describing reports of soldiers' death as “incorrect”.
He explained that some members of the military team were injured but none of them died.
