Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have decisively repelled a multi-pronged attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack, which occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, targeted troops of 162 Amphibious Battalion at FOB Mandaragirau, but was thwarted by the soldiers’ early warning systems, rapid response and superior firepower.
According to a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Captain Mohammed Goni, the terrorists launched a simultaneous assault from two fronts.
Troops detected the advancing insurgents through established surveillance and early warning systems and immediately deployed a combat team to intercept them along one of the attack routes.
A fierce exchange of fire ensued, during which the troops decisively repelled the attackers.
The second group of terrorists attempted to bypass the ambush team and infiltrate the military base but was equally confronted with overwhelming firepower and forced to retreat.
The troops subsequently launched a hot pursuit and exploited the contact area and withdrawal routes in a bid to further degrade the fleeing insurgents.
Several terrorists were reportedly neutralised during the operation, while troops recovered AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launcher with bombs and chargers, a camcorder and other combat equipment.
Further surveillance footage showed the terrorists dragging the bodies of some of their slain colleagues towards the Timbuktu Triangle following the failed assault.
The military said there were no casualties among its personnel during the operation.
The Theatre Command described the successful repulsion of the attack as another demonstration of the troops’ operational readiness, tactical proficiency and aggressive posture in confronting terrorist threats across the North East.
It commended the leadership, courage and professionalism displayed by personnel of 162 Amphibious Battalion in thwarting the attack.
The command reaffirmed OPHK’s determination to maintain pressure on terrorist groups, deny them freedom of action and restore lasting peace and security across the North East.
