Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), operating under Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province fighters on a military base in Borno State, killing no fewer than 38 terrorists.
The attack, which took place in the early hours of Saturday, March 28, 2026, targeted the Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Mandaragirau in Sector 2 of the North-East theatre. According to military authorities, the terrorists launched what was described as a “halfhearted” assault but were met with strong resistance from troops on ground.
A statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, confirmed that the troops acted swiftly and decisively to neutralise the attackers. He added that the operation was supported by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, which provided close air support during the encounter.
“The troops engaged the attackers with well-coordinated ambushes and a deliberate offensive-defensive response that forced them into a disorderly withdrawal,” the statement said.
Military sources explained that the troops had prior intelligence of possible movement in the area, which helped them prepare for the attack. As the insurgents advanced towards the base, soldiers launched ambushes at strategic points, cutting off their movement and inflicting heavy losses.
The confrontation led to the death of about 38 terrorists. While eight bodies were recovered at the immediate scene of the clash, additional casualties were reported along the escape routes used by the fleeing insurgents.
According to the military, local intelligence sources confirmed that more than 30 additional bodies were seen along the Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis, extending into the well-known Timbuktu Triangle, a notorious stronghold for insurgents in Borno State.
Troops who pursued the fleeing attackers reported visible blood trails and abandoned equipment, suggesting that many of the terrorists sustained fatal injuries during the exchange of fire.
Recovered items from the scene included seven AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs, and a large quantity of ammunition. These weapons are believed to have been used by the insurgents during the attack.
Despite the intensity of the battle, the military reported that no soldier was killed. However, one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle was hit by RPG fire during the exchange. Some personnel sustained injuries but were quickly stabilised and are said to be responding to treatment.
The successful defence of the Mandaragirau base has been described as a major operational success for Operation HADIN KAI, which has been leading Nigeria’s fight against insurgency in the North-East.
The involvement of air support played a critical role in the operation. Fighter aircraft and surveillance platforms were deployed to monitor insurgent movements and provide real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to troops on the ground. This helped in targeting the fleeing terrorists more effectively.
Residents of nearby communities reportedly expressed relief and joy following the news of the failed attack. Many locals, who have lived under the threat of insurgent violence for years, welcomed the development as a sign that the military is gaining the upper hand.
“The scale of enemy losses has triggered widespread jubilation among local communities,” the military statement noted.
Borno State has remained the epicentre of insurgency in Nigeria for over a decade, with groups like ISWAP and Boko Haram carrying out attacks on military formations, villages, and highways. The Timbuktu Triangle, in particular, has been identified as a key hideout for terrorists due to its difficult terrain and limited access.
Over the years, the Nigerian military has launched several operations to clear insurgents from the area. While significant gains have been recorded, occasional attacks such as the one on Mandaragirau show that the threat is not yet completely eliminated.
Operation HADIN KAI, which replaced Operation Lafiya Dole in 2021, has intensified efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities and restore normalcy to affected communities. The operation combines ground offensives, air strikes, and collaboration with local vigilante groups to track and eliminate insurgents.
Military authorities say follow-up operations are ongoing in the Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis to recover more bodies and weapons, as well as to ensure that fleeing terrorists do not regroup.
“Further exploitation operations are ongoing… to recover the littered terrorists’ corpses and consolidate gains,” the statement added.
For many Nigerians, the latest development offers a measure of hope in the long-running battle against insurgency. However, there is also a recognition that more work needs to be done to achieve lasting peace in the region.
The Federal Government has repeatedly assured citizens of its commitment to ending terrorism, but challenges such as porous borders, arms trafficking, and recruitment of young people into extremist groups continue to pose serious concerns.
As troops continue their operations in Borno and other parts of the North-East, attention remains focused on maintaining the momentum and ensuring that gains recorded on the battlefield translate into lasting security for communities.