Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have eliminated eight suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters while successfully repelling an attack on a military base in Mandaragirau, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to a report by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency platform focused on the Lake Chad region, the insurgents launched a coordinated assault on a Forward Operating Base on Saturday.
A military source disclosed that the attackers advanced from multiple directions but were met with troops who had strategically positioned themselves in ambush formation.
“The troops demonstrated resilience and tactical superiority, effectively repelling the assault and immediately launching a counter-exploitation along the terrorists’ withdrawal route, inflicting further casualties on the fleeing insurgents,” the source said.
“Blood trails were observed along the withdrawal routes, indicating that several other insurgents escaped with gunshot wounds.”
The source further noted that no army personnel lost their lives during the encounter, although a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade.
Weapons recovered from the scene included seven AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, four RPG bombs, and a cache of ammunition.
Additional bodies of fleeing insurgents were reportedly sighted along escape routes towards the Timbuktu Triangle.
“We saw four more bodies,” the source added.
The report also indicated that abandoned weapons and casualties were discovered in Garin Mallum and Garin Gajere.
Troops ambush insurgents in Marte
In a separate operation, troops of Operation Hadin Kai ambushed Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters along the Marte–Dikwa axis in Marte Local Government Area, forcing them to retreat and abandon equipment.
According to Zagazola Makama, the operation was carried out on Thursday by troops of the 50 Task Force Battalion/24 Task Force Brigade and 134 Special Forces Battalion, supported by volunteer forces.
A military source said the troops laid an ambush at Momoh village along the Marte–Dikwa road and engaged insurgents travelling on bicycles at about 12:45am.
“On sighting the terrorists, the troops engaged them decisively, compelling them to retreat in disarray,” the source said.
Following the operation, troops recovered eight bicycles believed to have been used for mobility, along with beverages suspected to be part of the insurgents’ logistics supply.