By Abdulkareem Haruna

Nigeria’s Operation Hadin Kai forces quashed three synchronised attacks initiated by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Yobe and Borno states over the weekend.

The ISWAP militants attempted a nocturnal offensive in the early hours of Saturday at Katarko in Yobe, and Jakana and Monguno in Borno State, which was successfully staved off by Nigerian forces.

Security Analyst and Counter-Insurgency Expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, received information from intelligence sources that the first assault by the terrorists was aimed at a vigilante post in Katarko near the Gujba axis at around 1 a.m.

The local vigilante force exchanged gunfire with the terrorists for approximately 15 minutes before the 27 Task Force Brigade came to their aid, successfully deterring the attack and causing the terrorists to retreat.

While the exact number of terrorist casualties remains unclear, traces of blood at the scene suggest that wounded militants were evacuated. Unfortunately, two members of the vigilante group were killed during the conflict.

In a separate incident, ISWAP militants targeted troops at a checkpoint between Jakana and Mainok. The ensuing encounter resulted in the death of two terrorists and the retreat of the others, thanks to the superior firepower of the troops. One soldier was injured during the clash.

Furthermore, ISWAP militants aboard two gun trucks and 20 motorcycles tried to strike troops from the Sector 3 Multi National Joint Task Force stationed at Charlie one, along the Monguno-Maiduguri Road.

This third attempt was also effectively countered, forcing the terrorists to retreat. Casualty figures from the midnight assault remain uncertain.