Troops of the Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised several terrorists during coordinated attacks launched by suspected fighters of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province on military formations in Borno State and Yobe State.
Security sources said the coordinated assaults targeted locations in Damboa Local Government Area, Baga, and parts of the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council.
In Yobe State, troops also repelled a terrorist ambush along the Longlari–Kanama road in Yunusari Local Government Area.
The Borno State Police Command confirmed attacks by suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in the Kofa community on the outskirts of Maiduguri and in Damboa Local Government Area.
The confirmation was contained in a brief statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Daso.
According to the statement, security operatives swiftly responded to the attack around the Ajilari Cross–Kofa area of Maiduguri and successfully foiled the assault.
“Following reports of a foiled attack by suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists around Ajilari Cross–Kofa area of Maiduguri, joint security operatives have been mobilised to the scene and efforts are ongoing to assess the situation and restore normalcy,” the statement said.
It added that another attempted attack in Damboa at about 1:00 a.m. was also thwarted by joint security operatives, with normalcy restored in the area.
Police urged residents to remain calm, avoid affected locations and cooperate with security agencies while further updates are awaited.
Security sources revealed that the Kofa attack reportedly began around 12:30 a.m. and targeted a military post. Troops engaged the attackers in a gun battle, neutralising several insurgents. Some military facilities were reportedly damaged during the exchange of fire.
In a related development, troops of the Nigerian Army 159 Battalion, B Company, stationed in Kanama, repelled a terrorist ambush along the Longlari–Kanama road in Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The ambush reportedly occurred at about 5:23 p.m. on March 14 when soldiers were returning from a routine patrol. The troops responded with heavy fire, killing several terrorists and forcing others to flee into nearby bushes.
Following the encounter, soldiers carried out clearance operations in the surrounding area in an effort to track insurgents who escaped into nearby forests.
Military authorities said patrols and clearance operations are continuing to prevent further attacks and ensure security along the corridor.
What you should know
The North-East region of Nigeria has been affected by insurgency from Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, ISWAP, for more than a decade.
Military operations under Operation Hadin Kai involve joint efforts by the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to combat terrorist groups and protect communities across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
Although security forces have recorded several successes, insurgent groups still launch sporadic attacks on military positions and remote communities in the region.
