Two Nigerian soldiers have been killed and several others wounded after troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai repelled a coordinated attack by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province fighters on a Forward Operating Base in Magumeri, Borno State.

The insurgents, believed to have moved in from the fringes of the Lake Chad basin, first stormed Magumeri town under the cover of darkness, setting a hospital and several vehicles ablaze in an apparent attempt to create panic and stretch security forces before turning their sights on the nearby military position.

According to military sources, the terrorists then advanced on the Forward Operating Base, exploiting poor visibility to attempt a surprise infiltration. They reportedly achieved a minor breach on an isolated section of the camp, triggering a fierce close-quarter battle as Nigerian troops mounted a swift and coordinated response.

In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the troops were said to have “fought gallantly” and decisively contained the assault, neutralising scores of the attackers and forcing the rest to flee in disarray.

Subsequent exploitation of the surrounding area revealed heavy blood trails, drag marks and several bodies of slain fighters, indicating significant losses on the side of the insurgents. Troops also recovered a substantial cache of weapons, including PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, AK-47 rifles and loaded magazines, believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing gunmen.

Despite the successful defence of the base, the military confirmed that two soldiers “paid the supreme price” during the engagement. An officer and other wounded personnel are reported to be in stable condition and are receiving medical treatment at a military facility.

The clash also resulted in the destruction of some equipment and temporary structures within the base after fires broke out amid the intense exchange of gunfire.

Security forces have since launched follow-up operations in and around Magumeri to track down surviving insurgents, recover additional materiel and prevent a regrouping of the attackers. Military authorities say the failed assault underscores the determination of Operation Hadin Kai to deny terrorist groups freedom of movement and to maintain pressure on their remaining strongholds in the North East.