Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a coordinated attack by suspected ISWAP fighters on a military position in Borno State, killing dozens of insurgents and recovering weapons in a follow-up operation.
The military said the attack, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday at the Forward Operating Base in Mandaragirau, was met with a swift and coordinated response by ground forces, supported by air assets. The engagement forced the attackers into a chaotic retreat after encountering what officials described as a “deliberate offensive-defensive” response by troops.
Air support from the operation’s air component provided real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, as well as close air strikes that enhanced the troops’ effectiveness during the encounter.
According to the military, at least 38 insurgents were neutralised during the clash, with eight bodies recovered within the immediate vicinity of the base. Local intelligence sources also indicated that more than 30 additional bodies were found along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes stretching from Garin Mallum to Garin Gajere, extending into the notorious Timbuktu Triangle.
Troops, during exploitation operations, reportedly discovered blood trails and abandoned equipment along the axis, further confirming the scale of the losses inflicted on the fleeing insurgents.
Recovered items from the scene include seven AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, four rocket-propelled grenade bombs, and assorted ammunition.
Despite the intensity of the attack, the military recorded no fatalities among its personnel. However, one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle was struck by rocket-propelled grenade fire, leaving some soldiers injured. The wounded personnel have since been stabilised, according to the statement.
Military authorities noted that the successful defence of the base and the heavy casualties inflicted on the attackers have sparked celebrations among residents in nearby communities, reflecting growing confidence in ongoing counterinsurgency efforts.
Troops are continuing clearance and exploitation operations along the Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere corridor, aiming to recover additional bodies and consolidate operational gains in the wider Timbuktu Triangle area, a long-standing insurgent stronghold.
