Nigerian Army personnel have successfully repelled a major midnight offensive on communities in Chibok, Borno State, stopping more than 300 insurgents who launched a coordinated assault from several directions early Saturday.

The attack was initiated around 2:50 a.m., but soldiers of the 28 Task Force Brigade, already on heightened alert, detected the movement of the terrorists before they could advance. The troops swiftly fortified their positions and engaged the attackers from multiple fronts.

For over two hours, intense gunfire exchanges ensued as the soldiers held their ground and prevented the insurgents from breaching the communities.

At first light, the attackers began to retreat in disarray toward the Azir axis leading into the Sambisa Forest, attempting to cross the Damboa–Biu supply route. In response, the army instructed 25 Brigade to occupy pre-planned ambush locations around the Azir Bridge to intercept the fleeing fighters.

Their withdrawal was closely monitored with support from a Nigerian Army unmanned aerial vehicle, while the air component of Operation Hadin Kai deployed a Super Tucano aircraft to reinforce ground efforts.

As troops advanced, the insurgents dispersed, and soldiers disrupted their escape. The operation recorded no troop casualties or equipment losses.

Search and clearance missions are ongoing across the Chibok area, and the army says it is intensifying efforts to track the fleeing terrorists and restrict their movement.

Footage capturing the mass retreat of the attackers after the failed operation has been obtained and is being analysed for further action.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to defending the nation’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of all citizens.