“They came to destroy and film the military base but found their Waterloo”
By Abubakar H. Muhammad (9News Nigeria Northeast)
It was not the number of terrorists killed that told the full story of Monday night in Garaha, but what they left behind.
When troops of Sector 4, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, finished sweeping the area around the Forward Operating Base in Hong Local Government Area, they found more than bodies.
They found a Canon video recorder, an Infinix phone, and a full battle kit – evidence that the attackers did not come merely to fight. They came to record a victory they never got.
The attack began at 9:07 p.m. when fighters belonging to Boko Haram and ISWAP advanced on foot under the cover of darkness, hoping to overwhelm the base before reinforcements could arrive.
For the soldiers on duty, it was a night of intense, close-quarters combat.
Capt. Mohammed Goni, spokesman for Operation Hadin Kai, confirmed that while six terrorists were killed, troops also sustained casualties.
“The wounded personnel are receiving medical attention while evacuation arrangements are ongoing,” he said.
He explained that despite being hit, the troops held the line with superior firepower and tactical coordination until the attackers broke and fled.
The military has since maintained heightened vigilance in and around Garaha, with patrols continuing to exploit the area to ensure no regrouping or follow-up attack.
The items recovered from the fleeing terrorists included one PKT machine gun with three ammunition belts containing 67 rounds. Six AK-47 rifles with eleven magazines were also recovered.
Also recovered were 157 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and one 60mm mortar bomb.
Security forces also recovered one Infinix Android phone, a Canon portable video recorder, three camelback water bags, one magazine carrier, and assorted clothing.
Security sources say the inclusion of a dedicated video recorder suggests the terrorists intended to broadcast a seizure of the base to boost morale and recruitment.
Capt. Goni said the successful repulsion reflects the combat readiness and resilience of the troops.
“The Theatre Command remains resolute in sustaining aggressive, intelligence-driven operations to deny terrorists freedom of action and protect vulnerable communities,” he said.
For Garaha, a community that has lived for years under the shadow of insurgency, the morning after was quiet.
The weapons that were meant to be used against it are now in military custody while the video the attackers came to shoot was never made.
