Troops thwart attack, arrest suspected terrorist in Borno

Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) troops have thwarted a terrorist attack and arrested suspected collaborators in a separate operation in Borno State.

The Nigerian Army in an operational report provided to journalists on Sunday, said troops of 25 Brigade successfully thwarted an attempted attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Damboa on Saturday.

The army said the terrorists were detected advancing from the Timbuktu Triangle axis and engaged in artillery and mortar fire that forced them to retreat in disarray.

According to the report, follow-up operations supported by aerial surveillance recorded no further contact.

In another operation, troops of the 115th Battalion repelled another attack on their positions in Mussa in the Askira Uba Local Government Area.

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The report added that the rebels withdrew after heavy gunfire, while troops remained in control of the area.

Meanwhile, a joint operation involving the Joint Civil Task Force succeeded in arresting 14 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers at Gamboru Market and Maiduguri Customs Area.

“The items recovered from the suspects included mobile phones and cash, while investigations are still ongoing.

“Similarly, troops of Brigade 25 and Battalion 19 arrested a suspected kidnapper at Azir in Damboa Local Government Area,” the report said.