In a decisive counter-offensive, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), backed by the Air Component, repelled a coordinated attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on their location in New Marte, Borno State, in the early hours of May 27, 2025.
Confirming the report, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations Headquarters Theatre Command, Operation HADIN KAI Captain Reuben Kovangiya said the insurgents attempted to infiltrate the area, triggering a fierce firefight. Reinforcements from the 24 Task Force Brigade Garrison and the 134 Special Forces Battalion responded swiftly, engaging the attackers with overwhelming firepower.
Air assets provided real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), alongside precision strikes, which decimated fleeing terrorists. Despite the success, two gallant soldiers lost their lives in the encounter.
During a subsequent clearance operation, troops recovered a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) SUV abandoned by the fleeing terrorists and destroyed several motorcycles used in the assault, courtesy of effective air strikes. Lifeless bodies of insurgents and blood trails were found along withdrawal routes, indicating further enemy casualties.
In a separate incident, troops also repelled an attempted attack on the Forward Operating Base at Kumshe, inflicting heavy losses on the assailants.
Troops remain resolute in their mission to deny terrorists freedom of movement and to maintain pressure on insurgent elements. The success underscores the enhanced synergy and operational coordination among security forces, in line with the broader objective of restoring peace and stability to the North East region.
