By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have killed six suspected insurgents and recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition after repelling an attack on a military base in Garaha community, Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The attack targeted the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Garaha at about 9:07 p.m., when suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters advanced on foot from the LAR axis in an attempt to overrun the military position.

The military said the troops responded with superior firepower and coordinated tactics, forcing the attackers to retreat after an exchange of gunfire that lasted about two hours.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Tola, the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba Goni, said the troops successfully repelled the assault and recovered weapons and other military equipment.

A subsequent search of the area, he said, led to the discovery of six insurgent corpses, confirming the number of terrorists killed during the encounter.

The recovered weapons included one PKT machine gun, three ammunition belts containing 67 rounds, six AK-47 rifles, 11 AK-47 magazines, 157 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and one 60mm mortar bomb.

Other items recovered from the scene were an Infinix Android phone, a Canon portable video recorder, three camelback water bags, a magazine carrier and assorted clothing.

Although some soldiers sustained injuries during the confrontation, the military said the affected personnel were receiving medical attention, while arrangements were being made for their evacuation where necessary.

The troops have since intensified surveillance and search operations around the area to prevent further attacks and identify or recover additional items of operational importance.

The military described the successful defence of the base as a demonstration of the troops’ combat readiness and determination to prevent insurgents from overrunning their positions in the North-East.

It added that Operation Hadin Kai would continue to conduct intelligence-led operations to restrict the movement of insurgents, protect vulnerable communities and support efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the region.