15 ISWAP fighters killed, VBIED left behind in bit to escape in Marte

At least 15 suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters were evacuated by their comrades following a failed assault on New Marte, Borno State.

According to reliable sources, the insurgents launched a coordinated attack at around 1:35 a.m. Tuesday, arriving on about 20 motorcycles alongside a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) aimed at breaching the battalion’s defences.

However, Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai, backed by the Nigerian Air Force, swiftly repelled the attack. The militants abandoned the VBIED as they fled under heavy fire and aerial bombardment.

Intelligence reports revealed the insurgents made frantic attempts to evacuate their dead and wounded, managing to carry away at least 15 bodies, leaving behind destroyed motorcycles and blood trails near the New Marte airstrip.

“They came like a swarm, heavily armed, with the VBIED leading their charge. But once our troops responded and the air component engaged, they were overwhelmed. The terrorists abandoned the VBIED and dragged their casualties into the bush. We tracked at least 15 bodies evacuated. It was a significant setback for them,” a source told Zagazola Makama.

Further aerial surveillance and ground assessment confirmed multiple motorcycles were destroyed or left behind during the rapid counter-offensive.

The clash resulted in the loss of two Nigerian soldiers. Additionally, one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle sustained tyre damage, and a gun truck was partially hit.

In a related development, troops successfully thwarted an attempted ISWAP incursion at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kumshe. The terrorists were repelled after fierce gunfire, with several believed neutralised.