Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded another major success against terrorism in the North East, decisively repelling a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on a forward operating base in Mairari.
The foiled assault, which began late on Thursday, December 12, 2025, and continued into the early hours of Friday, was aimed at troops conducting stabilisation operations in the area.
However, the attackers were met with stiff resistance that shattered their offensive plan.
In a statement made available to journalists in Maiduguri over the weekend, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed that the terrorists attempted to breach the base using two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs).
“During the failed attack, terrorists attempted to breach the base using two VBIEDs,” Uba said.
“Both VBIEDs were promptly detected and neutralised by the dogged troops, preventing any penetration of the base.”
CCTV footage reviewed after the encounter revealed heavy casualties on the side of the terrorists.
According to the statement, several ISWAP fighters were killed, while others sustained serious injuries, with surviving elements seen evacuating their dead and wounded from the scene.
Following the failed assault, troops of Sector 3 OPHK/Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), supported by the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Group, the Nigeria Police Crack Team and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), carried out a detailed exploitation of the area in the early hours of December 13.
The operation led to the recovery of multiple terrorist corpses and a large cache of weapons, ammunition and logistics abandoned during the terrorists’ hasty retreat. Items recovered include AK-47 rifles, magazines and ammunition, belts of PKT rounds, hand grenades, motorcycles, communication devices, combat gear, medical supplies and other sustainment materials, all pointing to prolonged terrorist activity in the area.
The statement, further, noted that the two neutralised VBIEDs were destroyed by the OPHK defensive fire system, causing damage to the road at two separate points.
“However, no breach of the FOB was recorded,” Uba said, stressing that the outcome “underscores the preparedness and resilience of the troops.”
Troops are currently dominating the general area with aggressive fighting patrols to prevent further terrorist action and reassure residents of a sustained security presence.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed that its troops remain resolute in their commitment to decisively defeat all terrorist elements and restore lasting peace and stability across the North East region.
