Troops repel ‘ISWAP attack’ on military base in Borno

Troops of the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force (NAF), have repelled an attack by suspected ISWAP terrorists on the forward operating base (FOB) in Rann, Kala-Balge LGA of Borno state.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication covering the Lake Chad region, the incident occurred on Wednesday morning when the terrorists, disguised as Fulani herdsmen, launched an attack on the military base.

Makama said the troops engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle prompting the intervention of a NAF fighter jet which arrived at the scene during the attack.

The publication noted that on sighting the air troops, the terrorists attempted to flee in different directions to avoid attack.

Makama said the NAF pilot tracked and engaged a group of the fleeing terrorists escaping in a Hilux truck, killing several of them and destroying the vehicle.

Makama noted that the number of casualties on the side of the terrorists was yet to be confirmed, adding that has been restored to the area following the intervention of the military.

On Tuesday, Boko Haram fighters reportedly killed at least five soldiers during attacks on military bases in Borno state.