Two Soldiers Killed as Troops Repel ISWAP Attack in Borno

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of two soldiers during a gun battle with Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (BH/ISWAP) terrorists in New Marte, Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, during a joint operation by ground troops and the air component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), which successfully repelled a coordinated night assault by the insurgents.

“In a joint land and air operations, troops of Operation Hadin Kai defeated a BH/ISWAP night attack on New Marte, Borno State, in a gruelling battle that commenced at 1:35 a.m. this morning,” the Army said in a statement posted on X.

The military explained that the terrorists attempted to infiltrate the troops’ location but were met with “heavy gunfire” as forces swiftly responded with coordinated firepower and aerial support.

According to the statement, the air component provided Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and launched precision strikes that killed several fleeing terrorists.

“Regrettably, two soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice during the encounter,” the statement continued.

“However, troops recovered one Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) SUV abandoned by the terrorists during the pursuit. Several motorcycles conveying the terrorists were also destroyed by precision air strikes.”

Further exploitation of the area led troops to discover the lifeless bodies of terrorists, along with traces of blood along withdrawal routes, suggesting more casualties among the insurgents.

The attack on New Marte was reportedly linked to an earlier attempt by ISWAP fighters to overrun the military formation and displace both soldiers and residents.

The military confirmed that troops are now pursuing the fleeing terrorists.

“In a related development, troops also repelled a daring attempt by terrorists to attack the Forward Operating Base at Kumshe,” the Army stated.

The update was signed by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, the Acting Deputy Director, of Army Public Relations.

New Marte shares borders with Monguno, Dikwa, and Gomboru Ngala Local Government Areas, and is close to the Lake Chad Basin, a region known for its porous borders and vulnerability to infiltration by terrorists from the Sahelian region.