By Hadiza Mohammed, Northern Operation
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists on a military base in Borno State, killing several insurgents and recovering a cache of weapons in a night battle on Saturday that ended with no casualties on the side of the military.
The attack occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, when terrorists launched a simultaneous assault on the Forward Operating Base, FOB, Mandaragirau in Biu Local Government Area.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI.
According to the statement, troops of the 162 Amphibious Battalion detected the movement early through surveillance systems and deployed a combat team to intercept one of the attacking groups.
A heavy gun battle ensued and the troops overpowered the attackers on that front.
A second group attempted to bypass the interception team and infiltrate the base but was also met with superior firepower. The military said the aggressive response forced the insurgents to withdraw in disarray.
“Subsequent to the engagement, troops immediately launched a hot pursuit and thoroughly exploited the contact area as well as their withdrawal routes,” the statement said.
In the aftermath, troops neutralized several terrorists and recovered AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, a rocket propelled grenade launcher with bombs and chargers, one camcorder video camera and other combat equipment.
Footage from surveillance systems reportedly showed terrorists dragging the bodies of their killed colleagues toward the Timbuktu Triangle area. The military confirmed that no soldier was killed or injured during the attack.
The Theatre Command commended the leadership, courage and professionalism of the 162 Amphibious Battalion for what it described as “exceptional bravery and tactical excellence in decisively defeating the terrorists’ assault.”
Operation HADIN KAI said it remains committed to dominating the battlespace, denying terrorists freedom of action, and restoring lasting peace and security across the North East.
