Troops repel ISWAP assault on Gajigana military base, inflict heavy casualties
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by suspected ISWAP terrorists on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Gajigana, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 7:20 p.m. on July 19 when a large number of terrorists, riding several motorcycles and supported by two gun trucks, advanced on the military position, with additional fighters approaching on foot.
The sources said troops of the 212 Battalion detected the advancing terrorists early and immediately engaged them with overwhelming firepower, frustrating the assault and forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray.
A reinforcement team led by the Commanding Officer of the 212 Battalion arrived shortly after the initial engagement to reinforce the position and stabilise the situation.
According to the sources, the terrorists suffered heavy casualties during the failed assault, with several bodies reportedly dragged away by their fleeing comrades.
Two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and were stabilised before being evacuated to the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital for further treatment.
The military also recorded minor equipment damage, as the body and four tyres of a gun truck were damaged by rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fragments during the firefight.
Military sources said exploitation of the battlefield would be conducted at first light to determine the full extent of the terrorists’ losses and recover any abandoned weapons or equipment.
