Troops of the Forward Operating Base, Mandaragirau, under the 25 Brigade of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully repelled a terrorist attack launched in the early hours of Saturday in Borno State.
According to military authorities, the insurgents attacked the base at about 3 a.m., taking advantage of heavy rainfall and poor visibility in an attempt to breach the facility’s defences.
The troops responded swiftly with a determined counter-offensive, engaging the attackers in intense combat and preventing any further incursion into the base.
A statement by the Acting Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai Liuetenant Colonel Haruna Sani, explains that the operation resulted in significant casualties among the terrorists and demonstrated the resilience, courage, and professionalism of the troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base.
However, the military confirmed that five soldiers lost their lives during the fierce firefight and close-quarter engagements.
Some military equipment were also damaged in the exchange.
The fallen soldiers have been described as heroes whose sacrifice reflects the highest standards of service and commitment to the defence of Nigeria.
The military also disclosed that three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, were killed while supporting the troops during the attack.
Personnel who sustained injuries have been airlifted by the Air Component Command and are reportedly in stable condition while receiving medical treatment.
Meanwhile, Operation HADIN KAI says troops remain firmly in control of the Forward Operating Base, with exploitation and consolidation operations continuing in the surrounding area.
The military noted that the failed attack highlights the growing desperation of terrorist groups facing sustained pressure from security forces.
Additional troops and critical combat resources have been deployed to strengthen security across the North-East theatre of operations.