Nigerian Army foils major ISWAP offensive

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully repelled a major assault by the Islamic State – West Africa Province (ISWAP) on Banki in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State and the Bula area of Yobe State.

A credible source at the Army Headquarters informed the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the troops’ intervention shielded over 10,000 resettled households from renewed displacement.

According to the source, ISWAP fighters launched coordinated attacks on 18 September, aiming to overrun the communities and destabilise hard-won peace in the region.

“The terrorists were met with fierce resistance from ground troops, supported by precision airstrikes. This forced them into a disorderly retreat, leaving behind significant casualties and lost weaponry,” the source stated.

In Banki, the reinforced troops reportedly stood firm, protecting vulnerable populations including women, children, and the elderly.

In Bula, Yobe, soldiers displayed tactical discipline, effectively thwarting multiple enemy attempts to breach security perimeters.

“Farmers who had recently returned to rebuild their livelihoods were also secured,” the source noted.

GOC Commends Troops’ Bravery

During an operational visit on 19 September, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander of Sector 1 OPHK, Brigadier-General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, commended the troops for their resilience and bravery.

“The GOC confirmed that the terrorists had been dealt a decisive blow and reassured residents and humanitarian agencies of the Army’s continued commitment to protecting civilians and supporting the recovery of conflict-affected communities.”

The source dismissed reports from some media outlets suggesting that terrorists had overrun a military base in the area.

“No army position was captured, and all communities remain firmly under security control,” he clarified.

He, however, confirmed that one soldier paid the supreme price, while others sustained injuries during the encounters.

“Their sacrifice stands as a testament to the Army’s unwavering commitment to securing peace, dignity, and safety for Nigerians returning home after years of displacement.”

Operations in the region, he said, would continue under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede, within a joint and multi-agency framework.

“Nigerians owe our wounded soldiers and fallen heroes a debt of gratitude for keeping hope alive in communities rising from the ashes of war,” the source concluded.

(NAN)