Troops Repel ISWAP/JAS Attack on Borno Military Position

Nigerian troops have repelled an attack by suspected ISWAP and JAS fighters on a military position in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.

Daily Post and PM News reported that troops of 3 Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade came under attack in the early hours of June 12 after insurgents advanced from the Wurge, Manawaji and Kinuba axes.

The reports said the troops responded with sustained firepower and were supported by reinforcements from battalion headquarters, as well as mortar and artillery support. The attackers were forced to retreat after the engagement.

A follow-up clearance operation was later carried out along the route used by the fleeing fighters. Security personnel reportedly recovered three unexploded RPG-7 high-explosive ordnances and two torchlights abandoned during the withdrawal.

The reports also said one soldier sustained fragment injuries from a rocket-propelled grenade blast and was evacuated for treatment. A main battle tank was said to have developed a technical fault after the fighting.

Military authorities said clearance operations were continuing in the area to stop the insurgents from regrouping around the Ngala axis.

The attack shows that military positions in Borno remain under pressure despite continuing operations across the North-East. Ngala, near the Lake Chad axis, has long been one of the areas affected by movements of insurgent groups and cross-border routes used by fighters.

The Borno incident is separate from the Zamfara rescue operation earlier reported by NaijaTrend, which involved troops rescuing kidnapped victims in Zurmi and Shinkafi local government areas.

Sources: Daily Post, PM News