Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully thwarted a planned midnight attack on Chibok communities in Borno State.
Chibok, Borno State, witnessed the major overnight confrontation on Saturday as Nigerian troops and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) crushed a coordinated attack by more than 300 ISWAP/Boko Haram fighters.
The attack, launched by over 300 terrorists from multiple fronts, began at about 0250 hours (2:50 a.m.) and was decisively defeated through swift intelligence, tactical manoeuvre and superior firepower by troops of 28 Task Force Brigade.
The troops, who were on alert, detected early enemy movement, enabling them to quickly assume battle positions and engage the terrorists from multiple fronts.
The fierce firefight lasted for over two hours, during which the gallant soldiers held their ground firmly and prevented the terrorists from breaching the security of the adjoining towns.
The terrorists, on observing the break of day, started a disorderly withdrawal towards the Azir axis into the Sambisa Forest, attempting to cross the Main Supply Route Damboa–Biu.
In response, 25 Brigade was tasked to occupy pre-designated ambush positions ahead of Azir Bridge to cut off and neutralize the fleeing terrorists, with guidance provided by a Nigerian Army Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI deployed a Super Tucano aircraft and as the advancing interdiction forces closed in, the terrorists dispersed.
While exploitation operations in and around Chibok remain ongoing, the Nigerian Army assures the public that concerted efforts are being intensified to track down escaping elements and deny them freedom of movement.
The footage of the mass withdrawal of terrorists after the failed attack has been obtained and is being analyzed for further operational action.
The Nigerian Army reaffirms its relentless commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
Troops on ground responded immediately, engaging the terrorists in a fierce two-hour battle. The superior firepower and tactical coordination of the soldiers forced the attackers to retreat toward the Timbuktu Triangle, a notorious insurgent sanctuary.
“The troops were alert and professionally contained the attack. There were no casualties on our side, and no equipment was affected,” a military source confirmed.
As the militants fled, ground forces requested air support, prompting rapid deployment of NAF combat aircraft. Fighter jets tracked the retreating insurgents and executed a series of precision strikes along their withdrawal path.
According to sources, four major air interdictions were conducted. The first strike hit a concentrated formation of fighters attempting to regroup, inflicting what was described as “significant degradation” on the hostile force. Subsequent strikes targeted scattered clusters moving through forested areas, preventing any attempt at reorganization.
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) maintained continuous surveillance and delivered additional precision engagements on fleeing elements.
“The platform engaged with high accuracy, eliminating retreating fighters and disrupting their movement,” another source noted.
Security officials say the coordinated response between air and ground forces dealt a decisive blow to the attackers, inflicting heavy losses and ensuring the assault ended in failure.
The engagement has been described as one of the most effective counter-terrorism operations in the region this month.
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