Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), 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 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, when the terrorists simultaneously advanced on the Forward Operating Base Mandaragirau from two directions.
According to a statement made available to The News Chronicle by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the troops detected the attackers through their early-warning and surveillance systems and promptly deployed a combat team to intercept them along one of the advancing routes.
The ensuing encounter triggered a heavy exchange of fire, during which the troops decisively overwhelmed the terrorists.
A second group of insurgents attempted to bypass the ambush team and infiltrate the base but was equally met with superior firepower and repelled.
The coordinated response forced the attackers to withdraw in disarray, prompting the troops to launch a hot pursuit and thoroughly exploit the contact area and the terrorists’ withdrawal routes.
The operation resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists and the recovery of a cache of weapons and equipment, including AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with bombs and chargers, a camcorder video camera and other combat equipment.
Surveillance footage obtained after the engagement also showed the terrorists dragging the bodies of several of their slain colleagues towards the Timbuktu Triangle.
The military said there were no casualties among its personnel in the attack.
The Theatre Command described the successful defence of the base as a demonstration of the troops’ high state of readiness, aggressive posture and operational effectiveness, reinforced by the support of the military high command.
It commended the leadership, courage and professionalism of the troops of 162 Amphibious Battalion, describing their response as an example of tactical excellence and combat effectiveness.
Operation HADIN KAI, the statement added, remains committed to dominating the battlespace, denying terrorists freedom of action and restoring lasting peace and security across the North East.
