Nigeria Army troops
By TOM CHIAHEMEN, Abuja –
Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji in conjunction with other security agencies, successfully repelled an attack by suspected Islamic States for West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists and bandits on the Forward Operation Base (FOB) at Burkusuma in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The failed attack, which took place at about 5:30am on September 26 in the remote border settlement with Niger Republic, was swiftly repelled by troops, according to the Director, Defence Information (DDI), Major-General Olifemi Sawyerr.
Sawyer noted in a statement on Monday that the aggressive operations of troops of the FOB as witnessed in recent months in the North West region, has been a thorn in the flesh of ISWAP and bandits.
He said the attackers came in large numbers using telecom network provided from neighbouring country, capitalised on the lean rear area protection force when the main troops were out conducting offensive operations within their area of responsibility.
“The swift reinforcement by own troops, however helped to counter the attack as many of the ISWAP fighters were eliminated while some scrambled with various degrees of injuries, resulting to their pursuit to Bassira in Niger Republic,” the statement said
“Unfortunately, there were some level of casualty recorded on the part of own troops during the encounter,” it added.
Meanwhile, Nigerian and Nigerien forces in a collaborative operation are currently trailing the remaining ISWAP fighters.
According to Major-General Sawyerr, the general security within the FOB and its environs has been stabilized.