By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a multi-pronged attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a military base in Borno State, according to the military.

The attack occurred at about 2am on Saturday, August 15, 2026, when the terrorists simultaneously advanced on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mandaragirau in Biu Local Government Area from two directions.

The Joint Task Force (North East) said troops of the 162 Amphibious Battalion detected the advancing fighters through early-warning and surveillance systems before they could reach the base.

A combat team was subsequently deployed to intercept one group along its approach route, triggering a heavy exchange of fire in which the attackers were repelled.

The military said a second group attempted to circumvent the troops and infiltrate the base but was also met with superior firepower, forcing the insurgents to withdraw.

Troops then launched a hot pursuit and exploited the area of contact as well as the routes used by the fleeing terrorists.

According to the statement signed by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, several terrorists were neutralised during the engagement.

The troops also recovered AK-47 rifles and loaded magazines, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, RPG bombs and chargers, a camcorder and other items described as combat equipment.

The military further said surveillance footage showed some of the fleeing terrorists dragging the bodies of their colleagues towards the Timbuktu Triangle, an area that has remained a significant theatre of counter-insurgency operations in Borno.

The Army said there were no casualties among its personnel during the attack.

The successful defence of the Mandaragirau base comes amid sustained military operations against ISWAP and Boko Haram elements across the North-East. Operation HADIN KAI troops have repeatedly engaged insurgents attempting to attack military positions, disrupt civilian movement or maintain operational footholds in Borno and neighbouring areas.

In March, for instance, the military reported that troops repelled another major ISWAP assault and subsequently neutralised 38 terrorists during the engagement and follow-up operations around Mandaragirau and the fringes of the Timbuktu Triangle.

The latest incident, however, also highlights the continuing ability of ISWAP fighters to mount coordinated attacks against military positions despite sustained pressure from security forces.

The Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI commended the troops of the 162 Amphibious Battalion for what it described as their courage, professionalism and tactical effectiveness.

The command said it would continue efforts to dominate the operational environment, restrict the terrorists’ freedom of movement and action, and support the restoration of lasting security across the North-East.