December 13th, 2025
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday night repelled a coordinated attack by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mairari, Borno State, killing several terrorists in the process.
Confirming the attack in a statement on Saturday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, Lt Colonel Sani Uba, said the terrorists attempted to breach the base using two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs).
He, however, stated that both devices were promptly detected and neutralised by the troops, preventing any penetration of the base.
The statement read, “Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mairari, dealing a decisive blow to the group’s operational capability in the area. The assault, which began late on 12 December 2025 and continued into the early hours of 13 December, was thwarted through coordinated ground and air operations.
“During the attack, terrorists attempted to breach the base using two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs). Both devices were promptly detected and neutralised by the troops, preventing any penetration of the base. CCTV footage and field observations confirmed that several terrorists were killed, while others sustained serious injuries as surviving elements evacuated their dead and wounded.”
“During the attack, terrorists attempted to breach the base using two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs). Both devices were promptly detected and neutralised by the troops, preventing any penetration of the base. CCTV footage and field observations confirmed that several terrorists were killed, while others sustained serious injuries as surviving elements evacuated their dead and wounded.”
One of the neutralised terrorist. Photo: Nigerian Army
Lt Colonel Uba added that following the failed assault, OPHK troops of Sector 3, supported by the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Group, the Nigeria Police Crack Team, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), conducted a thorough exploitation of the area.
“The operation led to the discovery of multiple terrorist casualties and the seizure of weapons, ammunition and logistics abandoned during their retreat,” he said.
