Army Speaks On Borno Attack, Confirms Loss Of Five Soldiers In Fierce Clash

The Nigerian Army has confirmed an attack on a military base in Borno State, in which five soldiers and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Army, however, stated that troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled the assault and maintained control of the facility.

In a statement on Friday, the spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Haruna Sani, said the attack targeted the Forward Operating Base, Mandara-Girau, under the 25 Brigade, Sector 2 of the operation.

He explained that the incident occurred around 3 a.m., when insurgents launched the assault under heavy rainfall and poor visibility, apparently to take advantage of the weather conditions.

According to him, the troops responded with a strong counter-offensive that prevented the attackers from overrunning the base.

“Determined troops responded with a fierce counter-offensive, decisively frustrating further incursions and inflicting casualties on the attackers,” he said.

Sani confirmed that five soldiers were killed during the intense exchange of fire.

“Regrettably, in the course of the battle, five gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the intense firefight and close-quarter engagement,” he added.

He also disclosed that three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force lost their lives in the attack, while some military equipment was damaged during the confrontation.

The Army said wounded personnel were evacuated by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai and are currently receiving medical attention, adding that their condition is stable.

Despite the losses, the military maintained that troops remain firmly in control of the Forward Operating Base.

“Troops remain firmly in control of the FOB and continue to dominate the general area, while exploitation operations are ongoing for consolidation,” Sani said.

The Army described the attack as a desperate move by terrorist elements operating in the North-East, noting that they have continued to suffer heavy losses from sustained military operations.

It added that additional troops and combat assets have been deployed across the theatre to maintain pressure on insurgents and strengthen security in affected communities.