Troops of Operation Hadin Kai Joint Task Force North East have foiled Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP) terrorists’ attempt to attack troops Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mandaragirau, Biu local government area and killed several insurgents.
A statement issued to Journalists in Maiduguri by the Acting military information officer OPHK, Captain Mohammed Goni, said at about 2am on 15 August 2026, Saturday early hours, the terrorists launched a simultaneous assault on the location from two fronts.
Goni said on detecting the advancing terrorists from emplaced early warning and surveillance systems, a combat team was promptly dispatched to interdict the terrorists along one of the axes of advance. Contact was made, resulting in a heavy exchange of fire during which the combat team decisively defeated the attackers on that front.
He said the second group of terrorists attempted to bypass the ambush team and infiltrate the camp but they were equally met with superior firepower and successfully defeated, adding that the coordinated and aggressive response forced the insurgents to withdraw in confusion, after which troops immediately launched a hot pursuit and thoroughly exploited the contact area as well as their withdrawal routes.
” In a clear demonstration of tactical proficiency and combat dominance, the troops neutralised several terrorists and recovered a substantial quantity of equipment comprising AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, rocket propelled grenade launcher with bombs and chargers, one camcoder video camera and several other combat enablers,” the OPHK spokesman said.
He added that subsequent footages obtained from the surveillance systems further showed the terrorists dragging several bodies of their cohorts killed towards the Timbuktu Triangle.
Goni said notably, no single casualty on own troops.
He noted that the successful defeat of this multi-pronged attack further highlights the high state of readiness, aggressive posture, and operational effectiveness of OPHK troops with the additional impetus from the military high command.
Goni added that the Theatre Command therefore commends the leadership, courage, and professionalism of troops of 162 Amphibious Battalion for their exceptional bravery and tactical excellence in decisively defeating the terrorists’ assault.
“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in its determination to dominate the battlespace, deny terrorists freedom of action, and restore lasting peace and security across the North East,” the statement read.
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