Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, have repelled a multi-pronged attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a Forward Operating Base in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack was launched at about 2am on Saturday, August 15, 2026, against troops of the 162 Amphibious Battalion stationed at the Forward Operating Base, Mandaraguirau.
According to a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East, Captain Mohammed Goni, the terrorists launched a simultaneous assault on the base from two fronts.
The troops, however, detected the advancing terrorists through their early-warning and surveillance systems and promptly deployed a combat team to intercept them along one of the axes.
A fierce exchange of gunfire reportedly followed, with the troops successfully defeating the attackers on that front.
The second group of terrorists attempted to bypass the ambush team and infiltrate the military camp but was also met with superior firepower.
“The coordinated and aggressive response forced the insurgents to withdraw in confusion, after which troops immediately launched a hot pursuit and thoroughly exploited the contact area as well as their withdrawal routes,” the statement said.
Weapons, Equipment Recovered
The military said several terrorists were neutralised during the encounter, while troops recovered a cache of weapons and equipment.
Recovered items included AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with bombs and chargers, one camcorder video camera and other combat equipment.
According to the military, surveillance footage obtained after the operation showed the terrorists dragging several bodies of their colleagues killed during the attack towards the Timbuktu Triangle.
The Theatre Command said no casualty was recorded among the troops during the encounter.
The military described the successful defence of the base as a demonstration of the troops’ readiness, tactical proficiency and operational effectiveness.
“The successful defeat of this multi-pronged attack further highlights the high state of readiness, aggressive posture, and operational effectiveness of OPHK troops,” the statement said.
The Theatre Command also commended the leadership, courage and professionalism displayed by personnel of the 162 Amphibious Battalion in repelling the attack.
“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in its determination to dominate the battlespace, deny terrorists freedom of action, and restore lasting peace and security across the North-East,” the statement added.
