In the early hours of Saturday, troops from Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled a coordinated assault by members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province on a Forward Operating Base in Mandaragirau, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Army reported that surveillance and early warning systems alerted them to the advancing terrorists, prompting the deployment of a combat team to intercept them along one of their approach paths.
According to a statement by Captain Muhammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer for the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, the terrorists incurred several casualties while the Nigerian Army suffered none.
The statement highlighted that the 162 Amphibious Battalion thwarted an ISWAP terrorist attack at their base in Mandaragirau. At around 2:00 AM on August 15, 2026, terrorists launched a dual-front assault. Detected by early warning systems, a combat team was quickly dispatched to intercept them.
Goni stated that a fierce exchange of gunfire ensued, with the combat team effectively defeating the attackers on one front. Meanwhile, another group of terrorists attempted to infiltrate the camp but met with equally strong resistance and were also defeated.
The coordinated and decisive response forced the insurgents to retreat in disarray. Nigerian troops pursued them aggressively, exploiting both the contact area and their escape routes.
Demonstrating clear tactical skill and combat superiority, the troops neutralized multiple terrorists and seized significant equipment, including AK-47 rifles, loaded magazines, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with bombs and chargers, a camcorder video camera, and other combat gear.
Surveillance footage showed terrorists dragging away several bodies toward the Timbuktu Triangle. Importantly, the operation resulted in no casualties among Nigerian troops.
The victory underscores the readiness and effectiveness of OPHK troops, further supported by directives from military leadership. The Theatre Command commended the 162 Amphibious Battalion for their bravery and tactical expertise in overcoming the terrorist attack.
