By RismadarVoice Media, December 14, 2025
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully foiled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mairari, delivering a significant blow to the group’s operational capacity in the area.
The attempted assault, which commenced late on Thursday, 12 December 2025, stretched into the early hours of Friday, 13 December, was decisively repelled through a combination of coordinated ground and air operations by Nigerian troops.
According to military sources, the terrorists sought to breach the FOB – using two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs). However, the devices were swiftly detected and neutralised by vigilant troops before they could reach their targets. The prompt response prevented any breach of the base and averted potential casualties.
CCTV footage and on-ground assessments confirmed that several terrorists were neutralised during the encounter, while many sustained severe injuries.
Surviving members of the group were observed, evacuating their dead, wounded as they fled the area.
In the aftermath of the failed attack, troops of OPHK Sector 3, working in synergy with the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Group, the Nigeria Police Crack Team, and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), conducted an extensive exploitation of the surrounding areas. The operation resulted in the recovery of multiple terrorists casualties, seizure of a cache of weapons, ammunition, and logistics abandoned during the retreat.
Items recovered included AK-47 rifles, magazines and assorted ammunition, PKT rounds, hand grenades, motorcycles, communication equipment, combat gear, medical supplies, and other materials indicative of sustained terrorist activities.
Military authorities disclosed that the two neutralised VBIEDs were destroyed by defensive fire, causing damage at two points along the road leading to the base. Despite this, there was no penetration of the FOB, a development that underscores the preparedness, resilience, and high level of professionalism displayed by the troops.
Following the operation, troops have intensified aggressive patrols within the general area to forestall further terrorist activity, reassure residents of the military’ continued presence, commitment to their safety.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its resolve to decisively defeat all terrorist elements operating in the North East, stressing that the failed attack at Mairari highlights the growing operational readiness of Nigerian forces.
The military reiterated that the protection of civilians, the disruption of terrorist networks, restoration of lasting peace, stability across the region remain top priorities of Operation HADIN KAI.
