At least eight security personnel, including five soldiers and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), were killed in the early hours of Friday when Boko Haram terrorists attacked a Nigerian Army base in Borno State.
The attack targeted the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mandaragirau, a community under the 25 Brigade, Sector 2 of Operation HADIN KAI, located in Biu Local Government Area of the state.
Military authorities said the terrorists launched the assault at about 3:00 a.m., taking advantage of heavy rainfall and poor visibility in an attempt to breach the military facility.
Despite the difficult weather conditions, troops stationed at the base successfully resisted the attack and prevented the insurgents from overrunning the position.
The Nigerian military confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Haruna Sani.
According to him, the attackers attempted to exploit the heavy rainstorm and darkness to gain access to sections of the military base.
However, soldiers at the facility responded swiftly with a counter-offensive that forced the terrorists to retreat.
“Troops of Forward Operating Base Mandaragirau under 25 Brigade of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, successfully contained a terrorist attack in the early hours of this morning despite adverse weather conditions and poor visibility occasioned by heavy rainstorms,” Sani said.
He explained that the insurgents launched the attack at approximately 0300 hours and attempted to breach parts of the base under the cover of the extreme weather.
The military spokesman stated that determined troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce battle and prevented them from making further advances.
According to him, the successful defence of the base demonstrated the courage, resilience and determination of troops serving in the North-East.
However, the military also confirmed that the battle resulted in casualties among security personnel.
“Regrettably, in the course of the battle, five gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the intense firefight and close-quarter engagement,” Sani stated.
He added that three members of the CJTF who were supporting military operations at the base also lost their lives during the attack.
The Civilian Joint Task Force has played a major role in the fight against insurgency in the North-East by assisting security agencies with intelligence gathering, community surveillance and support operations.
Over the years, many CJTF members have been killed or injured while working alongside military personnel in the battle against terrorist groups.
The military spokesman disclosed that some personnel were wounded during the attack but have since received medical attention.
According to him, the injured were airlifted by the Air Component Command of Operation HADIN KAI and are currently receiving treatment.
He noted that the wounded personnel were in stable condition.
Sani also revealed that some military equipment was affected during the exchange of gunfire, although he did not provide details about the extent of the damage.
He praised the fallen soldiers and CJTF members for their bravery and sacrifice, describing them as heroes who died while defending the nation.
“The sacrifice of the fallen personnel embodies the highest traditions of service, courage and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation,” he said.
The military assured residents that troops remain firmly in control of the Forward Operating Base and that there was no loss of territory to the terrorists.
According to the statement, security forces continue to dominate the surrounding areas while follow-up operations are ongoing to track fleeing insurgents and prevent further attacks.
The military said exploitation operations had commenced as part of efforts to consolidate gains made after repelling the terrorists.
Operation HADIN KAI is the military operation leading the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups operating in the North-East region.
The operation covers Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, which have experienced years of insurgency-related violence.
Borno State remains the epicentre of the insurgency that began more than a decade ago.
Although the military has recorded significant successes against Boko Haram and its rival faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), attacks on military formations and communities still occur in some remote areas.
Insurgents have increasingly relied on surprise attacks, improvised explosive devices and raids on isolated communities and security positions in an effort to regain momentum.
However, military authorities insist that terrorist groups have suffered heavy losses in recent months due to sustained air and ground operations across the North-East.
In Friday’s statement, Operation HADIN KAI said the latest attack reflected the growing desperation of insurgents facing increased pressure from security forces.
“These failed attacks further underscore the growing desperation of terrorist elements who continue to suffer devastating losses under sustained operational pressure,” the military said.
The command assured Nigerians that additional troops and critical combat resources have been deployed to strengthen ongoing operations across the region.
Military authorities also pledged to continue taking all necessary measures to protect communities and maintain pressure on terrorist groups.
The latest attack serves as a reminder that despite years of military operations, the insurgency remains a significant security challenge in parts of northern Nigeria.
Thousands of people have been killed, while millions have been displaced since the conflict began. Communities across Borno and neighbouring states continue to face threats from attacks, abductions and other forms of violence linked to insurgent activities.
As security forces intensify operations against terrorist groups, residents and community leaders have continued to call for greater support for frontline troops and improved security measures in vulnerable areas.
For now, attention remains focused on the ongoing military operations in Mandaragirau and surrounding communities as troops work to prevent further attacks and maintain stability in the region.