Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully foiled a major coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists during stabilisation operations in Mairari, dealing a significant setback to the group’s operational strength in the area.
The attempted assault, which began late on 12 December 2025 and extended into the early hours of the following day, saw terrorists launch an aggressive offensive aimed at breaching a Forward Operating Base (FOB). As part of the attack, the insurgents deployed two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) in an effort to penetrate the base.
Vigilant OPHK troops swiftly detected the VBIEDs and neutralised them through coordinated defensive fire, preventing any breach of the facility. CCTV surveillance footage later confirmed that several terrorists were eliminated during the failed assault, while others sustained serious injuries. Surviving fighters were observed evacuating their dead and wounded, indicating heavy losses.
In a follow-up operation conducted on 13 December 2025, troops of Sector 3 OPHK/MNJTF, working alongside the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Group, the Nigeria Police Crack Team, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), carried out a detailed exploitation of the surrounding area.
The operation resulted in the recovery of multiple terrorist corpses and a large cache of weapons, ammunition, and logistics abandoned during the insurgents’ hurried retreat. Recovered items included AK-47 rifles, magazines and ammunition, PKT belts, hand grenades, motorcycles, communication equipment, combat gear, as well as medical and sustainment supplies—materials believed to support prolonged terrorist activities.
Although the destruction of the two VBIEDs caused damage to the road at two separate locations, no breach of the Forward Operating Base was recorded, highlighting the high level of preparedness, resilience, and professionalism of OPHK troops.
Security forces are currently maintaining dominance in the area through aggressive fighting patrols, aimed at preventing further terrorist actions and reassuring residents of sustained military presence and protection.
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Operation HADIN KAI has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to neutralising terrorist threats and restoring lasting peace and stability across Nigeria’s North East region.