“In a well-coordinated counteraction, the insurgents were decisively engaged and forced to retreat in disarray, abandoning their mission,” Onoja stated.
Despite the successful defence of the facility, the military confirmed that the encounter resulted in casualties on both sides.
Several insurgents were killed during the firefight, while the Armed Forces also lost some personnel.
“Regrettably, the encounter resulted in the loss of a few brave and gallant soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
“The Chief of Defence Staff honours their heroism, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation,” the statement said.
However, the DHQ neither confirmed nor denied reports circulating on social media suggesting that the brigade commander, Braimah, was among those killed in the attack, urging the public to refrain from spreading unverified information.
Military authorities described the attack as a sign of desperation by insurgent groups weakened by sustained offensives across the region.
“This attack is a clear indication of the desperation of terrorist elements who, having suffered significant losses in recent operations, continue to resort to futile and ill-fated offensives against well-defended military positions,” the statement added.
The Armed Forces said it had launched follow-up clearance operations to pursue fleeing insurgents and prevent them from regrouping.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders, remain resolute and undeterred in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency.
“Additional clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing in the general area to track and neutralise fleeing insurgents,” Onoja said.
