Troops of Sector 3 under Operation Hadin Kai repelled an attempted terrorist infiltration at a military position in Monguno, Borno State, but lost a commanding officer and six personnel in the aftermath of the incident.
The attack occurred late on April 12 at a location identified by the military as “Charlie 13,” where troops came under assault from suspected insurgents. According to military sources, the soldiers engaged the attackers in a gun battle, eventually forcing them to retreat and retaining control of the position.
However, tragedy struck shortly after the engagement when the commanding officer, who was reportedly moving to the frontline to assess the situation, encountered an improvised explosive device (IED). The explosion destroyed his vehicle, killing him and six other soldiers.
Military authorities described the officer’s actions as emblematic of frontline leadership, noting that he advanced toward the troops despite ongoing risks in the area. His conduct, they said, reflected commitment to operational oversight and the welfare of personnel under his command.
Operation Hadin Kai expressed deep regret over the loss, paying tribute to the fallen soldiers and acknowledging their sacrifice in ongoing counterinsurgency operations in the North-East.
The military reaffirmed its resolve to continue operations against insurgent groups in the region, where sporadic attacks and the threat of improvised explosive devices remain a persistent challenge.
