The Commander, 21 Special Armour Brigade Bama, Brigadier General Tosin Ayoola, has visited Headquarters 152 Battalion in Banki following the successful repulsion of an attack by Boko Haram terrorists in the early hours of Friday, 13 March 2026.
The terrorists reportedly launched the attack at about 3:30 a.m., attempting to infiltrate the battalion location. However, vigilant troops immediately mobilized to their defensive positions and engaged the attackers with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to retreat in disarray.
The gallant response of the troops was effectively coordinated by the Commanding Officer 152 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Micheal Ndubisi, whose leadership and timely direction ensured that the troops maintained firm control of their defensive positions throughout the engagement. His decisive command and control greatly contributed to the successful defeat of the terrorists’ attempt to overrun the location.
During the encounter, air support was also requested to further degrade the fleeing terrorists and prevent their regrouping within nearby hideouts.
Following exploitation of the area after the attack, troops discovered the corpse of a terrorist concealed in a shallow grave, while several traces of blood were observed along the withdrawal routes of the fleeing insurgents, indicating that the terrorists suffered significant casualties during the encounter.
During the visit, Brigadier General Ayoola commended the troops for their gallantry, resilience, and high level of professionalism displayed during the encounter. He noted that their swift response and determination prevented the terrorists from achieving their aim and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations against insurgents in the North East.
The Brigade Commander further urged the troops to remain vigilant and maintain the fighting spirit that has continued to deny terrorists freedom of action within the area.
He reassured the troops of the Brigade's continued support in terms of logistics, welfare, and operational guidance to enable them effectively carry out their duties.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the Brigade Commander to assess the situation on ground and interact with officers and soldiers, encouraging them to sustain the momentum in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
