….Soldiers foiled the attacks, brave soldiers impressed CJTF – Uba
At least four soldiers were killed and an unknown number wounded when Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) fighters attacked a military base in the southern part of Borno state on Sunday.
Business Day learned that ISWAP terrorists carried out several coordinated attacks in Gwoza, Biu and Hawul, all local government areas in the southern part of the state.
According to sources, illegal groups attack military positions in the town of Mandra-Girau with rockets, propelled grenades and anti-tank guns.
The source said four soldiers were killed and the base was partially destroyed.
“At least four soldiers lost their lives, and others were injured, an operational vehicle was destroyed, and militants partially destroyed the structure.” Disclosure of source.
Meanwhile, Boko Haram terrorists have attacked and burnt houses in Debiro village, Hawul council, Kwajafa/Harang ward, Southern Borno senatorial district.
Parts of Debiro residents also share a local border with Biu Local Government Area, which has seen a series of terrorist attacks and killings in the past.
Sources revealed that in the latest attack by Debiro on Sunday evening, residential houses, a vehicle were destroyed and set on fire, food items and livestock were looted, with many people fleeing from their homes into the bush for safety.
Dogo M Shettima, a resident of the community, announced this through his meta timeline on Sunday evening.
“Boko Haram this evening attacked Debiro village in Kwajafa Harang ward of Hawul LGA and burnt houses, a vehicle and property also completely burnt according to information just received from my community.”
Simultaneously, suspected members of ISWAP terrorists launched a coordinated attack on a military base and some residential places in Pulka community of Gwoza Local Government Area, which were repelled by troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai.
Sani Uba, Lieutenant Colonel Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, in a statement issued to journalists on Monday, confirmed that the troops repelled an attempt to attack their base at Pulka, Made in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
He regretted that some soldiers and civilians had to pay the highest price in the multiple attacks in the southern part of the state.
“Also, on the same night, a large group of suspected BHT/ISWAP terrorists advanced from Sambisa Forest Area and launched a fierce attack on troops of Sector 1 at Pulka. In a well-coordinated response, the troops engaged the terrorists in an intense firefight, and successfully contained and repulsed the attack.
“However a portion of the perimeter was briefly breached, leading to the destruction of some combat equipment and habitations. Effectively, rapid reinforcements coupled with the overwhelming firepower of 26 Brigade forced the terrorists to retreat in a disorganized manner towards the Sambisa axis.
“Reliable intelligence indicates that the terrorists have suffered serious losses, including a senior commander, identified as Abu Aisha, who received a gunshot wound to the neck, resulting in his death, as well as significant loss of weapons and equipment. There was not a single human casualty among the troops during the attack on Pulka.
“In a related development, troops of Sector 2 in Mandargirau came under a coordinated multi-pronged attack by ISWAP terrorists riding on gun trucks and motorcycles. Anticipating such action, the troops had strategically deployed combat teams who decisively engaged the terrorists. Interestingly, the attack was successfully repelled after a fierce exchange, without breaching the security of the location.
“Sadly, some gallant personnel and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme price in defending their positions, while some soldiers sustained injuries and were immediately evacuated by the Air Component of OPHK and Nigerian Army Aviation platforms. Their sacrifice epitomizes the highest traditions of service, courage and commitment to the defense of Nigeria,” Uba said.
