BY: NEWS DESK, AUGUST 15, 2026/ 12:44PM
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised several Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists following a failed pre-dawn attack on Forward Operating Base Mandaragirau in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Hadin Kai's spokesman, Capt. Mohammed Goni, the simultaneous attack occurred at about 02:00am on 15 August 2026, on the base from two fronts.
According to Capt. Goni early warning and surveillance systems detected the advancing fighters.
He said a combat team from the 162 Amphibious Battalion was immediately dispatched to interdict one of the axes.
'Contact was made, resulting in a heavy exchange of fire during which the combat team decisively defeated the attackers on that front,' the statement said.
A second group attempting to bypass the ambush and infiltrate the camp was also met with superior firepower and repelled.
The statement said the coordinated response forced the insurgents to withdraw in disarray.
Troops subsequently launched a hot pursuit and exploited the contact area and withdrawal routes.
The operation resulted in the neutralization of several terrorists.
Recovered items include AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, a rocket propelled grenade launcher with bombs and chargers, one camcorder video camera, and other combat enablers.
The statement added that surveillance footage obtained after the engagement showed terrorists dragging the bodies of their killed colleagues toward the Timbuktu Triangle axis.
The military reported no casualties on own troops during the encounter.
The Theatre Command commended the leadership, courage, and professionalism of the 162 Amphibious Battalion for what it described as 'exceptional bravery and tactical excellence in decisively defeating the terrorists’ assault.'
It attributed the success to the high state of readiness and aggressive posture of OPHK troops, with support from the military high command.