Fierce counter-offensive thwarts insurgent attempt to breach Forward Operating Base Mandaragirau
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a devastating terrorist attack on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mandaragirau in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, but at significant cost.
Five soldiers and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed during the intense firefight early on Friday, 5 June 2026.
The terrorist attack occurred at approximately 3:00 am when Boko Haram insurgents attempted to breach sections of the military base under the cover of heavy rainfall and poor visibility. The assailants exploited the adverse weather conditions in a coordinated bid to overrun the facility.
The Terrorist attack details and military response
Lieutenant Colonel Haruna Sani, Acting Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, confirmed the incident in an official statement issued Friday.
“Troops of Forward Operating Base Mandaragirau under 25 Brigade of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, successfully contained a terrorist attack in the early hours of this morning despite adverse weather conditions and poor visibility occasioned by heavy rainstorms,” Sani stated.
The insurgents launched the assault at approximately 3:00 am and attempted to force their way into the base. However, troops responded swiftly with a fierce counter-offensive that decisively frustrated the attackers’ incursions and inflicted significant casualties on the insurgents.
“Determined troops responded with a fierce counter-offensive, decisively frustrating further incursions and inflicting casualties on the attackers. The counter-assault underscores the resilience of the troops at FOB Mandaragirau and reflects the courage and determination of our troops across the theatre,” Sani said.
Casualties and tribute to fallen soldiers
The military confirmed that eight security personnel lost their lives during the intense exchange of fire and close-quarter combat that followed the assault.
“Regrettably, in the course of the battle, five gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the intense firefight and close-quarter engagement, while some equipment was also affected by the firefight,” the military statement read.
In addition to the five soldiers, three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force who were on duty at the base also fell during the attack.
Operation HADIN KAI paid tribute to those who died, honouring their sacrifice and commitment to national defence.
“Their sacrifice embodies the highest traditions of service, courage, and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation. Operation HADIN KAI honours their heroism and the bravery of all personnel who stood firm in the face of a determined but ultimately futile enemy assault,” the statement read.
Wounded personnel of the terrorist attack airlifted
Those injured during the terrorist attack were promptly airlifted by the air component command and are currently in stable condition whilst receiving medical treatment. The military did not disclose the exact number of wounded personnel.
Troops maintained firm control of the base throughout the engagement and continue to dominate the surrounding area. The military said it successfully prevented the insurgents from gaining access to the facility despite their determined assault.
Continued security operations
Following the terrorist attack, exploitation operations remain ongoing in the surrounding areas. The military is conducting search and cordon operations to pursue fleeing insurgents and gather intelligence on the attack.
Troops continue to maintain enhanced security posture at FOB Mandaragirau and other forward operating bases across the North-East theatre. The incident underscores the persistent threat posed by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the region.
The military assessment suggests the terrorist attack reflects the “growing desperation” of insurgent elements who continue to suffer significant losses under sustained operational pressure.
“These failed attacks further underscore the growing desperation of terrorist elements who continue to suffer devastating losses under sustained operational pressure,” Sani stated.
Military commitment to regional security
Despite the losses suffered in the terrorist attack, the military reaffirmed its commitment to protecting communities and sustaining pressure on terrorist networks across the North-East.
“All necessary measures are being taken to protect communities and sustain relentless pressure with the deployment of additional troops and critical combat enablers throughout the North East Theatre,” the military statement confirmed.
The military has directed increased surveillance and intelligence gathering operations to preempt future terrorist attacks on military installations. The base operates under Operation HADIN KAI, the joint counter-insurgency campaign coordinating efforts across multiple security agencies to combat terrorism in Nigeria’s north-east.
