Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have decisively repelled an attempted attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on Forward Operating Base Mandaragirau in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, when the terrorists launched a simultaneous assault on the military location from two fronts.
According to the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, troops detected the advancing terrorists through their early warning and surveillance systems and promptly deployed a combat team to intercept one of the attacking groups.
A heavy exchange of fire ensued, during which the troops decisively defeated the terrorists. A second group attempted to bypass the ambush team and infiltrate the base but was also met with superior firepower and successfully repelled.
The coordinated response forced the terrorists to withdraw in confusion, prompting troops to launch a hot pursuit and thoroughly exploit the contact area and the routes used by the fleeing insurgents.
Several terrorists were neutralised during the encounter, while troops recovered AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with bombs and chargers, a camcorder video camera and other combat equipment.
Captain Goni said subsequent surveillance footage showed the terrorists dragging several bodies of their slain colleagues towards the Timbuktu Triangle.
He added that no casualty was recorded among the troops during the operation.
The Theatre Command commended the troops of 162 Amphibious Battalion for their courage, professionalism and tactical excellence in defeating the multi-pronged attack.
It said the successful operation further demonstrated the high level of readiness, aggressive posture and operational effectiveness of troops under Operation HADIN KAI.
The Theatre Command reaffirmed its determination to dominate the battlespace, deny terrorists freedom of action and restore lasting peace and security across the North East.
