Troops of the Forward Operating Base, FOB, Mandaragirau under the 25 Brigade of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, have repelled a terrorist attack on their position in Borno State, killing several insurgents during a fierce exchange of gunfire.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI.
According to the statement, the attack occurred at about 3:00 a.m. when suspected terrorists attempted to breach sections of the military base under the cover of heavy rainfall and poor visibility.
Operation HADIN KAI said troops responded with a counter-offensive that thwarted the attack and inflicted casualties on the insurgents.
The military, however, confirmed that five soldiers lost their lives during the intense firefight and close-quarter combat that followed the attempted invasion of the base.
The statement also disclosed that three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, were killed during the encounter.
According to the military, some equipment was affected during the exchange of fire, while injured personnel were evacuated by the Air Component Command for medical treatment.
“The wounded have been promptly airlifted and are currently in stable condition while receiving appropriate medical care,” the statement said.
Operation HADIN KAI said troops remain in full control of the Forward Operating Base and have continued clearance and exploitation operations in the surrounding area.
The military described the attack as a sign of the increasing pressure on terrorist groups operating in the North-East, noting that additional troops and combat assets have been deployed to sustain ongoing operations across the theatre.
It added that efforts were ongoing to strengthen security around vulnerable communities and maintain pressure on insurgent elements in the region.
