Troops Foil Terrorist Attack on Mandaragirau FOB, Lose Five Soldiers in Fierce Battle

By: Zagazola Makama 

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled a terrorist attack on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mandaragirau under the 25 Brigade, Sector 2, inflicting casualties on the attackers but losing five soldiers in the encounter.

A statement by the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai, Lt.-Col. Haruna Sani, said the attack occurred at about 3:00 a.m. during heavy rainfall and poor visibility conditions.

According to the statement, the terrorists attempted to breach the perimeter of the base under cover of the adverse weather, but were met with a “fierce counter-offensive” by troops, which successfully repelled the assault.

It added that the troops inflicted losses on the attackers and prevented further incursion into the facility, while the situation was brought under control.

“Regrettably, five gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the intense firefight and close-quarter engagement,” the statement said.

It further disclosed that three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) also lost their lives during the encounter, while some personnel sustained injuries and had been evacuated for medical treatment.

The statement said the wounded personnel were airlifted by the Air Component Command and were responding to treatment in stable condition.

It noted that troops remained in full control of the base, with clearance and exploitation operations ongoing in the general area.

The military described the attack as a reflection of the desperation of terrorist elements who continue to suffer sustained pressure from ongoing operations in the North-East theatre.

It assured that additional troops and combat enablers had been deployed to strengthen security and prevent further attacks in the area.