In a significant operational success, troops from the 162 Amphibious Battalion have successfully repelled an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants at Forward Operating Base Mandaragirau in Borno State. The incident occurred in the early hours of August 15, 2026, and led to the neutralization of numerous insurgents, along with the recovery of a substantial cache of arms and ammunition.

According to a statement from Captain Mohammed Goni, the Acting Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, the assault began around 2:00 AM when ISWAP terrorists launched a coordinated attack from two different fronts. The troops, equipped with early warning and surveillance systems, were able to detect the advancing militants and swiftly dispatched a combat team to intercept them.

The ensuing firefight resulted in a decisive victory for the Nigerian forces, with the combat team successfully defeating the attackers on one front. The second group of insurgents attempted to bypass the ambush but was met with equally overwhelming firepower, leading to their retreat.

The troops pursued the fleeing terrorists, exploiting the contact area and their withdrawal routes. This aggressive response not only thwarted the attack but also resulted in the recovery of various military equipment, including AK-47 rifles, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, and a camcorder, among other combat supplies. Footage from surveillance systems revealed the insurgents dragging the bodies of their fallen comrades towards the Timbuktu Triangle, indicating significant casualties among their ranks.

Remarkably, there were no reported casualties among the Nigerian troops during this encounter, underscoring their readiness and tactical proficiency. Captain Goni praised the leadership and bravery of the 162 Amphibious Battalion, highlighting their exceptional performance in defending the base against the multi-pronged assault.

Operation HADIN KAI continues to demonstrate its commitment to restoring peace and security in the North East, as the military remains focused on denying terrorists the freedom to operate and ensuring the safety of the local populace. The recent success serves as a testament to the operational effectiveness and aggressive posture of the Nigerian military in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the region.