Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a terrorist attack on a Forward Operating Base in Borno State, killing several insurgents but losing five soldiers and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) during the fierce encounter.
The military said the attack was launched in the early hours of Friday against the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mandaragirau under the 25 Brigade, Sector 2 of Operation Hadin Kai.
In a statement, Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), Lieutenant Colonel Haruna Sani, said the terrorists attempted to exploit poor visibility caused by heavy rainfall to breach sections of the base.
According to him, the insurgents launched the attack at about 3:00 a.m. but met stiff resistance from troops, who mounted a fierce counter-offensive that halted further incursions and inflicted casualties on the attackers.
“Determined troops responded with a fierce counter-offensive, decisively frustrating further incursions and inflicting casualties on the attackers,” the statement said.
The military described the successful defence of the base as a demonstration of the resilience, courage and determination of troops operating in the North-East theatre.
Despite the successful operation, the military confirmed that five soldiers lost their lives during the battle.
“Regrettably, in the course of the battle, five gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the intense firefight and close-quarter engagement, while some equipment was also affected by the firefight,” the statement added.
The military also disclosed that three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force died during the attack.
According to Operation Hadin Kai, wounded personnel were promptly airlifted by the Air Component Command and are receiving treatment, with all reported to be in stable condition.
The military stressed that troops remain firmly in control of the base and continue to dominate the surrounding area, while exploitation operations are ongoing to consolidate gains achieved during the encounter.
Operation Hadin Kai paid tribute to the fallen soldiers and CJTF members, describing their sacrifice as a reflection of the highest traditions of service and patriotism.
The military further stated that the failed assault underscores the growing desperation of terrorist groups facing sustained operational pressure across the North-East.
It added that additional troops and critical combat enablers have been deployed to strengthen ongoing operations and sustain pressure on terrorist elements across the region.
The clarification followed reports by some online platforms claiming that insurgents had overrun a military base along the Mandara–Buratai Road and killed several soldiers.
The military dismissed the reports, insisting that troops successfully repelled the attack and retained full control of the base.
Linus Aleke, Abuja
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