By: Zagazola Makama
Nigerian military forces have successfully thwarted an attempted attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram terrorists on troops’ positions in Gajigana, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State, while simultaneously intensifying aggressive air and ground patrols across identified flashpoints in the theatre.
Military sources said the attack occurred late on June 3 when a large number of terrorists mounted on motorcycles attempted to overrun a Forward Operating Base in the area after breaching defensive obstacles.
According to the sources, troops engaged the attackers in a sustained firefight, slowing their advance and inflicting losses, while coordinated aerial surveillance and strike support disrupted the terrorists’ movement corridors.
During the engagement, troops observed that the attackers operated in dispersed motorcycle formations, with approximately 15 riders seen scattering in different directions as defensive and supporting operations were activated.
One of the fleeing attackers was neutralised during the encounter, while surviving elements withdrew under pressure into surrounding terrain.
The sources further confirmed that hostile elements attempted to exploit gaps during the initial phase of the attack but were repelled following reinforcement and coordinated fire support from multiple units.
Following the encounter, troops conducted extensive clearance and pursuit operations across withdrawal routes, recovering one motorcycle and ammunition rounds believed to have been abandoned during the attackers’ retreat.
In a related development, military forces have intensified aggressive aerial and ground patrols across key corridors in Borno State, including routes linking Auno, Benisheikh, Ngamdu, Konduga, Mafa and Maiduguri metropolis, as part of ongoing efforts to deny terrorists freedom of movement.
Security sources said the enhanced surveillance posture also covered areas around Alau Dam and other identified infiltration routes, following intelligence on possible regrouping of insurgent elements.
The military described the operations as part of sustained counter-insurgency efforts aimed at degrading the operational capability of terrorist groups and preventing further attacks on military and civilian targets in the North-East.
Authorities reaffirmed that troops remain on high alert across all forward operating bases and continue to maintain aggressive posture in both ground and aerial operations to ensure stability within the theatre.
The sources added that the situation across the area of responsibility remains under close monitoring.
(Zagazola Makama)
