Boko Haram Attack on Borno Military Base Claims Eight Lives as Troops Repel Assault

Boko Haram insurgents launched a deadly pre-dawn attack on a Nigerian Army Forward Operating Base in Mandaragirau, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, killing five soldiers and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) despite a fierce counter-offensive by troops.

The attack occurred around 3:00 a.m. on Friday at the military formation under the 25 Brigade, Sector 2 of Operation HADIN KAI.

Confirming the incident, Acting Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Haruna Sani, said the terrorists attempted to exploit heavy rainfall and poor visibility to breach the base but were successfully repelled by troops.

According to Sani, the soldiers mounted a determined resistance and launched a counter-assault that inflicted casualties on the attackers, preventing them from gaining control of the facility.

“Troops of Forward Operating Base Mandaragirau successfully contained a terrorist attack in the early hours of this morning despite adverse weather conditions and poor visibility occasioned by heavy rainstorms,” he said.

He noted that although the attack was thwarted, five soldiers lost their lives during the intense firefight and close-quarter combat. Three CJTF members were also killed while supporting military operations.

Sani added that several personnel sustained injuries and were immediately airlifted by the Air Component Command for medical treatment. He said the wounded are currently in stable condition.

The military spokesperson described the fallen personnel as heroes whose sacrifices reflected courage, dedication, and commitment to the defence of Nigeria.

He further assured residents that troops remain firmly in control of the base and have intensified exploitation operations in the surrounding areas to prevent further attacks.

“These failed attacks further underscore the growing desperation of terrorist elements who continue to suffer devastating losses under sustained operational pressure,” Sani stated, adding that additional troops and critical combat assets have been deployed across the North-East theatre.

However, local sources told Weekend PUNCH that the insurgents reportedly operated around the military location for nearly an hour following a heavy downpour.

President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, also confirmed the attack, claiming that multiple locations came under assault.

“Yes, the attack occurred. They stormed the location and murdered many soldiers. It is not one place that was attacked,” Kaigama said.

He called on the Federal Government to strengthen security measures and improve grassroots intelligence gathering by creating independent community liaison structures capable of providing timely information on terrorist activities.

The latest attack highlights the persistent security challenges in parts of Borno State despite ongoing military operations against insurgent groups in the North-East.