Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled a coordinated midnight assault by suspected terrorists on a Forward Operating Base in Biu Local Government Area, killing several insurgents and recovering a cache of weapons.
The fierce encounter unfolded at about 12:28 a.m. on March 28, when heavily armed attackers launched a multi-front offensive on the Forward Operating Base in Mandaragirau.
Military sources revealed that the troops, who had strategically positioned themselves in ambush, responded with overwhelming firepower, engaging the insurgents in a gun battle that forced them into a chaotic retreat.
“Troops effectively engaged the terrorists from their ambush positions, compelling them to flee in disarray,” the source disclosed.
In a swift follow-up operation, soldiers pursued the fleeing attackers along their withdrawal routes, inflicting further casualties.
During exploitation of the battlefield, troops reportedly recovered five AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, two rocket-propelled grenade bombs, and quantities of ammunition, while the bodies of four neutralised terrorists were discovered.
Blood trails along escape routes suggested even heavier losses among the retreating insurgents.
However, the victory came at a cost.
The operation recorded casualties on the side of security forces, with some soldiers sustaining injuries in action.
Tragically, two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were confirmed dead, while two others remain missing.
The wounded personnel have been evacuated to the Cantonment Medical Centre in Biu for treatment, as ongoing operations continue to track down the fleeing insurgents.
The latest clash underscores the persistent security challenges in Borno, even as troops intensify efforts to dismantle terrorist strongholds across the North-East.
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