Troops of the Nigerian military have repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari in Borno State, neutralising two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) during the encounter.
Security sources said the terrorists attempted to overrun the base in the early hours of Saturday but were decisively stopped by troops on duty. According to a security intelligence expert who cited field reports, the attackers advanced towards the base using VBIEDs but were forced to retreat due to the alertness and superior firepower of the soldiers.
“Two VBIEDs were successfully neutralised before they could cause any damage,” a source said, adding that several of the attackers were killed during the exchange of gunfire, while others sustained gunshot wounds.
The sources further disclosed that intelligence reports and battlefield observations later confirmed that the fleeing insurgents were seen evacuating their dead and injured from the area.
Following the failed assault, troops conducted a follow-up operation around the vicinity of the base, during which arms, ammunition and other items believed to belong to the terrorists were recovered.
“The situation at FOB Mairari is calm, and troops remain in full control of the area,” a source said, noting that no casualties were recorded on the side of the military.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian military authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident. However, the successful defence of the base is considered another setback to ISWAP’s activities in the North-East.
