Troops repel cross-border terror attack, neutralise 12 terrorists in Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, engaged in Operation HADIN KAI, have thwarted a cross-border assault by suspected ISWAP/Boko Haram militants, neutralizing 12 combatants during a confrontation in the Kirawa region of Borno State.

Zagazola Makama, a security analyst and counter-insurgency specialist in the Lake Chad area, revealed this information in a post on his X account.

According to security sources, the event transpired around 11:00 p.m. on May 22, amidst the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity V and Siege Operations.

The sources indicated that the terrorists attempted to breach the troops’ position from the Cameroon side but were detected as they approached and engaged with superior firepower.

The troops, reported to be on high alert, promptly reacted to the incursion, compelling the attackers to retreat in disarray back into Cameroon, with several of the militants reportedly suffering gunshot wounds.

Additionally, the sources mentioned that the operation was bolstered by intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, ISR, assets, along with air support and coordination with partners.

Initial assessments of battle damage revealed that 12 terrorists were neutralized, while an unspecified number sustained injuries during the clash. One soldier was reported injured in action.

There were no reported equipment losses on the troops’ side, while several items were seized from the terrorists, including AK-47 rifles, RPG components, ammunition rounds, and other materials.

Military officials stated that the troops have maintained their positions and are continuing to conduct exploitation operations in the area to prevent regrouping by fleeing elements.

They further noted that the security situation in the region remains calm yet unpredictable, urging ongoing vigilance and sustained operational pressure across all fronts.

Operation HADIN KAI reiterated its commitment to denying terrorists the freedom to operate and ensuring stability in the North-East operational theater.