Nigerian Army troops have successfully repelled an attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on a military base in Borno State, killing several terrorists and preventing damage to military assets.
The attack occurred on Friday at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mairari, a community located in a conflict-prone area of Borno State. Security sources said the terrorists attempted to overrun the base but were met with strong resistance from the troops, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
According to the source, soldiers on duty quickly responded to the attack and launched a counter-operation that forced the terrorists to retreat. During the encounter, several ISWAP fighters were killed, while others were wounded and escaped into nearby areas.
In the course of the operation, troops also neutralised two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) that the terrorists intended to use to breach the military base. The devices were detonated safely, but the explosions caused serious damage to the road at two different points near the base.
The successful defence of the base was carried out by troops of Sector 3 of the stabilisation operation, with support from the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Force. The operation also involved the Nigeria Police crack team and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who provided intelligence and support during and after the attack.
A military source said the joint effort and swift response of the security forces played a key role in stopping the attack and limiting casualties. “The troops stood their ground and prevented the terrorists from gaining access to the base,” the source said.
After the attack was repelled, troops carried out an exploitation operation in the surrounding area to search for fleeing terrorists and assess the situation. During this operation, several bodies of dead terrorists were discovered, confirming the heavy losses suffered by the attackers.
The troops also recovered a number of items believed to belong to the terrorists. These included five motorcycles, two Android phones, AK-47 rifles, a belt containing 165 rounds of PKT ammunition, five AK-47 magazines loaded with 30 rounds each, and 59 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Other items recovered at the scene included blankets, a hand grenade, a combat boot, a flak jacket, plastic bottles containing engine oil, a stretcher, a wristwatch, a camel bag, spinners, and a motorcycle pump. Security sources said these items suggest that the terrorists planned a sustained attack before being repelled.
Importantly, no casualties were recorded on the side of the Nigerian troops. Military authorities described the outcome as a major success and a sign of improved coordination among security forces operating in the North-East.
Borno State has remained the epicentre of insurgency in Nigeria for over a decade. Armed groups such as ISWAP and Boko Haram have carried out repeated attacks on military formations, civilian communities, and critical infrastructure in the region.
ISWAP, a faction that broke away from Boko Haram, is known for targeting military bases and convoys, often using heavy weapons and suicide vehicle attacks. In recent months, the group has increased attempts to overrun military positions in remote areas, especially forward operating bases.
The Nigerian military has, however, intensified its operations against insurgents under ongoing counter-terrorism campaigns. These efforts include ground offensives, air strikes, and improved intelligence gathering, as well as cooperation with local vigilante groups like the CJTF.
The Civilian Joint Task Force has played an important role in the fight against insurgency in Borno and other parts of the North-East. Made up mainly of local youths, the group supports the military by providing intelligence on terrorist movements and helping to protect their communities.
Residents of nearby communities expressed relief over the successful defence of the base, saying that a successful attack could have put surrounding villages at risk. Many civilians in Borno continue to live with fear due to frequent attacks and the presence of armed groups in rural areas.
The Federal Government has repeatedly assured Nigerians of its commitment to ending insurgency in the North-East. Authorities say recent military successes, including the repelling of attacks and recovery of weapons, show progress in weakening terrorist groups.
While the threat of ISWAP remains, security officials say continued pressure on the group will reduce its ability to carry out large-scale attacks. They also urge residents to continue supporting security agencies by sharing useful information.