Troops repel ISWAP attack, recover AK-47s, RPG launcher in Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have repelled an attempted attack by ISWAP terrorists on Forward Operating Base Mandaragirau in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

The development was contained in a statement issued on Saturday, August 15, 2026, and signed by Mohammed Goni, Captain and Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI.

According to the statement, the attack occurred at about 2:00 am on Saturday when the terrorists launched a simultaneous assault on the military base from two directions.

The military said troops detected the advancing terrorists through surveillance systems and deployed a combat team to intercept them. The troops engaged the attackers in a heavy exchange of fire, while another group attempting to bypass the combat team and infiltrate the base was also repelled.

The coordinated response forced the terrorists to withdraw, after which troops launched a hot pursuit and exploited the contact area and the routes used by the attackers to retreat.

Several terrorists were reportedly neutralised during the operation, while troops recovered AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with bombs and chargers, a camcorder and other equipment.

The statement further said surveillance footage showed the terrorists dragging the bodies of some of their colleagues towards the Timbuktu Triangle.

The military said no casualty was recorded among its troops during the attack.

The Theatre Command commended the troops of 162 Amphibious Battalion for their response to the assault.

“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in its determination to dominate the battlespace, deny terrorists freedom of action, and restore lasting peace and security across the North East,” the statement said.