Terrorists in the early hours of Friday attacked a Nigerian Army base in Mandaragirau under 25 Brigade, Sector 2, in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, killing five soldiers and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force on duty.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Friday, the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force, Northeast, Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Haruna Sani, said troops at the base contained the attack despite adverse weather conditions and poor visibility caused by heavy rainfall.
He said: “Troops of Forward Operating Base, FOB, Mandaragirau under 25 Brigade of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, successfully contained a terrorist attack in the early hours of this morning despite adverse weather conditions and poor visibility occasioned by heavy rainstorms.
“The terrorists launched the attack at approximately 0300 hours and attempted to breach sections of the FOB under the extreme weather conditions.
“Determined troops responded with a fierce counter-offensive, decisively frustrating further incursions and inflicting casualties on the attackers. The counterassault underscores the resilience of the troops at FOB Mandaragirau and reflects the courage and determination of our troops across the theatre.”
He added: “Regrettably, in the course of the battle, five gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the intense firefight and close-quarter engagement, while some equipment was also affected by the firefight.
“Operation HADIN KAI honors their heroism and the bravery of all personnel who stood firm in the face of a determined but ultimately futile enemy assault.
“Three members of the CJTF also fell alongside troops, while those wounded have been promptly airlifted by the Air Component Command and are currently in stable condition while receiving appropriate medical care.”
Sani noted that the sacrifice of the fallen personnel embodied the highest traditions of service, courage and unwavering commitment to the defense of the nation.
He assured that the troops remain firmly in control of the FOB and continue to dominate the general area, while exploitation operations are ongoing for consolidation.
“These failed attacks further underscore the growing desperation of terrorist elements who continue to suffer devastating losses under sustained operational pressure. All necessary measures are being taken to protect communities and sustain relentless pressure, with the deployment of additional troops and critical combat enablers throughout the North-East theatre,” the statement concluded.
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Sources in the local government who confirmed the incident to our correspondent said the insurgents stormed the military location and operated for nearly one hour with little or no resistance after a heavy downpour.
The President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, who confirmed the attack to Weekend PUNCH, said more than one location was attacked.
“Yes, the attack occurred. They stormed the location and murdered many soldiers. It is not one place that was attacked,” he said.
He urged the government to intensify security measures and strengthen community engagement to improve intelligence gathering on terrorist movements.
“The government needs to create avenues for people who are knowledgeable to discuss and review issues of insecurity. Just as they created forest guards, they must create a grassroots liaison initiative that is not controlled by the government. Through those people, some of these attacks can be reduced,” he stated.
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