During a pre-dawn assault on Friday, terrorists attempted to overrun a military base in Borno State but were met with fierce resistance from Nigerian troops. The attack, which began around 3:00 a.m., exploited heavy rain and low visibility to approach the Forward Operating Base in Mandaragirau. However, soldiers from the 25 Brigade, under Operation HADIN KAI, swiftly countered the incursion, resulting in multiple insurgent fatalities.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani, the Acting Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (North East), the exchange of gunfire and close-quarters combat was intense. Despite successfully repelling the assault, the military suffered losses: five soldiers and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) lost their lives. Several others sustained injuries and have been airlifted to medical facilities, where they are reported to be in stable condition.
The statement noted that some equipment was damaged during the firefight. However, troops remain in firm control of the base and have launched clearance operations in the surrounding areas. The military views the attack as evidence of growing pressure on terrorist groups in the North-East and has deployed additional forces to sustain ongoing operations. Efforts to enhance security around vulnerable communities and maintain the offensive against insurgents continue.