Troops, Air Force foil ISWAP attack in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, with air support from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), have repelled a coordinated night attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on Rann, headquarters of Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama, quoting military sources, said the assault began around 11:00 pm on Thursday and raged until about 2:00 am on Friday.

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Ground troops engaged the insurgents in a fierce gun battle, holding their positions despite sustained pressure from the attackers.

As the terrorists attempted to withdraw, the Air Component executed precision strikes on the fleeing fighters, reportedly neutralising several of them.

The Army confirmed that seven insurgents were killed, adding that clearance operations were ongoing in areas targeted during the air bombardment to determine the full extent of the losses inflicted.

Military officials said the swift coordination between ground and air forces was crucial to the success of the operation.

They reiterated that joint security efforts in the North-East would continue to disrupt ISWAP’s activities and protect vulnerable communities from further attacks.

A resident of Rann, who asked not to be named for security reasons, told Tribune online that the sound of heavy gunfire and explosions “shook the town” for hours, forcing many to remain indoors in fear until calm was restored.