Troops foil terrorists attack on Mairari Base, destroy VBIEDs, recover arms

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have repelled a coordinated attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mairari, Borno State, neutralised two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) and inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorists.

The attack, which began late on Thursday, December 12, 2025, and extended into the early hours of Friday, December 13, was foiled through a combination of effective ground defence and supporting air operations, Army said.

According to the military, the terrorists attempted to breach the base using two VBIEDs, but the devices were promptly detected and engaged by alert troops before they could reach the perimeter of the FOB.

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“Both VBIEDs were destroyed by defensive fire, preventing any penetration of the base.

“CCTV footage and field observations indicated that several ISWAP fighters were killed during the encounter, while many others sustained serious injuries.

“Survivors were seen evacuating their dead and wounded as they retreated from the area”, Army noted.

In a statement issued by Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI on Sunday, Army stated that in the aftermath of the failed assault, troops of OPHK Sector 3, supported by the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Group, the Nigeria Police Crack Team, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), launched a coordinated exploitation of the surrounding area.

“The follow-up operation led to the discovery of multiple terrorist casualties and the recovery of a cache of weapons, ammunition, and logistics abandoned by the fleeing fighters.

“Items recovered included AK-47 rifles, magazines and assorted ammunition, PKT rounds, hand grenades, motorcycles, communication equipment, combat gear, medical supplies, and other materials believed to have supported sustained terrorist operations in the area”, the statement read.

Military said the recoveries have further degraded ISWAP’s operational capability and curtailed the group’s freedom of movement around Mairari and its environs.

Although the destruction of the two VBIEDs caused damage to two points along the road leading to the base, the military confirmed that there was no breach of the FOB.

The successful defence, it said, underscored the preparedness, vigilance, and resilience of troops deployed in the North East.

Following the incident, troops have intensified aggressive patrols in and around Mairari to forestall further terrorist activity and reassure local communities of the military’s continued presence and commitment to their safety.

The military reaffirmed its resolve to decisively defeat all terrorist elements and restore lasting peace and stability across the region.

“The failed attack at Mairari underscores the operational readiness and professionalism of our men and women in uniform,” the statement said.

It added that Operation HADIN KAI remains focused on protecting civilians, disrupting terrorist networks, and restoring peace across the North East.

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