The Nigerian military has announced that its forces successfully repelled a major attack by Islamic State (IS) militants on a forward operating base in the town of Mairari, Borno State, in the country’s northeast, killing a large number of attackers.
Military spokesperson Colonel Sani Uba said the assault was thwarted through close coordination between ground troops and air support, after two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs used by the militants to breach the base were destroyed.
He added that troops carried out an extensive sweep operation following the attack, seizing weapons, ammunition, and logistical equipment belonging to the armed group.
In a separate operation, the army also reported rescuing four abductees during an ambush in Plateau State, which resulted in the neutralisation of one kidnapper and the recovery of weapons and ammunition.
Security forces are continuing search operations to track down the remaining members of the fleeing gang.
