Nigerian Army troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has subdued a major Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) assault on Banki in Bama local government area of Borno and Bula area of Yobe state.

A credible source at Army Headquarters said the troops had shielded more than 10,000 resettled households from renewed displacement.

The source added that the terrorists launched coordinated attacks on Sept. 18 in a bid to overrun the communities and destabilise hard-earned peace.

He said the terrorists were met with stiff resistance from ground troops, backed by precision airstrikes, forcing them into a disorderly retreat with heavy casualties in men and weapons on enemies’ side.

In Banki, he said the reinforced troops stood firm to protect women, children and the elderly.

He added that in Bula Yobe, soldiers displayed tactical discipline that foiled repeated enemy attempts to breach security positions.

“Farmers who recently returned to rebuild their livelihoods were also secured.

“During an operational visit on Sept. 19, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Brig.-Gen. Ugochukwu Unachukwu, hailed the troops’ sacrifice.

“The GOC confirmed that the terrorists had been dealt a decisive blow,” he said.

The source also dismissed as false some media reports claiming that terrorists overran a military base in the area.

 (NAN)