Soldier injured as troops repel ISWAP attack on Borno military base

 Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a military base in Pulka, Gwoza LGA of Borno.

 

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the operation was conducted with support from the Nigerian Air Force and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

 

The publication said the terrorists launched an assault on the military base on Monday, in an attempt to overwhelm the troops and disrupt security operations around the community.

 

Makama said the soldiers responded with sustained firepower, forcing the attackers to withdraw from the area with casualties.

 

 

The publication said that the Nigerian Air Force’s air component of Operation Hadin Kai also provided intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) support to the ground troops during the operation.

 

Makama noted that the aerial surveillance improved the troops’ situational awareness and strengthened coordination between the air and ground components.

 

“As the terrorists withdrew, the air component reportedly carried out strikes on identified hostile elements, disrupting their movement and preventing them from regrouping,” Makama said.

 

 

Makama added that one soldier sustained a gunshot injury to his left arm during the encounter.

 

The publication said the injured soldier was evacuated for medical attention and stabilised. His condition was said to be stable.

 

Following the attack, troops commenced exploitation operations in the area to assess the impact on the terrorists, recover abandoned weapons or equipment and gather intelligence for follow-up operations.

 

Military sources said troops remained deployed in and around Pulka and had been placed on heightened alert.

 

 

They are continuing patrols, surveillance and other operations to prevent the terrorists from regaining ground or establishing a foothold in the area.

 

Residents and other members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, movements or activities to security agencies.