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Nigerian Army Thwarts ISWAP Raid in New Marte, Seizes VBIED and Arms

Troops serving under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) successfully repelled a coordinated assault by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on their base in New Marte, Borno State, early Tuesday morning. The Nigerian Army confirmed that scores of insurgents were neutralized, and substantial enemy materiel—including arms, vehicles, and explosives—was recovered.

According to Capt. Reuben Kovangiya, acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for OPHK’s Theatre Command, the attack began before dawn when militants attempted to breach the defensive perimeter. “The terrorists attempted to infiltrate our position under cover of darkness,” he said. “Our troops immediately engaged them in a heavy gun battle.”

Reinforcements from the 24 Task Force Brigade Garrison and the 134 Special Forces Battalion were swiftly deployed to bolster frontline defenders. Meanwhile, the OPHK Air Component provided real-time intelligence, surveillance, and precision air strikes. Capt. Kovangiya explained, “The air strikes destroyed several motorcycles used by the fleeing insurgents, significantly disrupting their escape routes.”

On the ground, soldiers exploited the aftermath of the engagement to secure an abandoned Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED), an SUV rigged with explosives. “Exploitation of the area led to the recovery of the VBIED and discovery of lifeless bodies of terrorists,” Capt. Kovangiya reported. He added that “blood trails were also observed along their withdrawal routes, indicating additional casualties.”

Two soldiers, whose identities have not yet been released, paid the ultimate price during the clash. “Their sacrifice will not be in vain,” Capt. Kovangiya stressed, pledging that their loss would strengthen the resolve of Nigerian forces operating in the volatile North-East.

POLITICS NIGERIA further learned that troops repelled a separate attack on an Operating Base in Kumshe successfully neutralising several ISWAP fighters.

“We will maintain this momentum against terrorism, in line with the mandate of Operation HADIN KAI,” Capt. Kovangiya said.

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