BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, MAY 27, 2025 | 02:24 PM

Further details have emerged on the nighttime attack by Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on New Marte, Borno State, which was repelled by Nigerian troops.

This paper had earlier reported that the terrorists have launched an early morning attack to military formation in New Marte where the troops of the Nigerian Army killed an undisclosed number of the terrorists.

In a statement by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations for Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in a joint land and air operation, the troops successfully repelled the attack.

He said that the ground forces swiftly engaged the attackers, and reinforcements, including elements from the 24 Task Force Brigade Garrison and the 134 Special Forces Battalion, were rapidly deployed to bolster the defense.

Capt. Kovangiya added that the Nigerian Air Force component of OPHK played a critical role, providing crucial Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and launching offensive strikes against the terrorists. These air strikes were reportedly instrumental in neutralizing many of the fleeing insurgents.

Unfortunately, the clash also resulted in the loss of two brave Nigerian soldiers, who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

Following the battle, troops conducted a sweep of the area and recovered a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) rigged as a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED), which the terrorists abandoned during their retreat.

Several motorcycles used by the attackers were also found destroyed, likely by the precision air strikes.

The military observed lifeless bodies of the terrorists, with traces of blood on their withdrawal routes, suggesting a higher number of terrorist casualties than initially confirmed.

In a separate incident, troops also repelled an attack on the Forward Operating Base in Kumshe, inflicting casualties on the attackers.

Capt. Kovangiya emphasized the unwavering resolve of the troops to combat terrorism and restore peace to the North East, stating that the resilient and determined troops have vowed to keep terrorists on the back foot and deny them freedom of action.