The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI has recorded yet another decisive operational success as troops of the 162 Amphibious Battalion decisively defeated an attempted ISWAP terrorist attack on their location at Forward Operating Base Mandaragirau, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

The incident led to the neutralisation of many ISWAP terrorists, with the recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition.

This was disclosed in a press statement on Saturday which was signed by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, in Maiduguri.

The statement reads: “At about 0200 hours on 15 August 2026, the terrorists launched a simultaneous assault on the location from two fronts.

“On detecting the advancing terrorists from emplaced early warning and surveillance systems, a combat team was promptly dispatched to interdict the terrorists along one of the axes of advance.

“Contact was made, resulting in a heavy exchange of fire during which the combat team decisively defeated the attackers on that front.

“The second group of terrorists attempted to bypass the ambush team and infiltrate the camp but they were equally met with superior firepower and successfully defeated.

“The coordinated and aggressive response forced the insurgents to withdraw in confusion, after which troops immediately launched a hot pursuit and thoroughly exploited the contact area as well as their withdrawal routes,” Goni said.

Continuing, he said: “In a clear demonstration of tactical proficiency and combat dominance, the troops neutralized several terrorists and recovered a substantial quantity of equipment comprising AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines, rocket-propelled grenade launcher with bombs and chargers, one camcoder video camera and several other combat enablers.

“Subsequent footages obtained from the surveillance systems further showed the terrorists dragging several bodies of their cohorts killed towards the Timbuktu Triangle.

“Notably, no single casualty on own troops.

The successful defeat of this multi-pronged attack further highlights the high state of readiness, aggressive posture, and operational effectiveness of OPHK troops with the additional impetus from the military high command.

“The Theatre Command therefore commends the leadership, courage, and professionalism of troops of 162 Amphibious Battalion for their exceptional bravery and tactical excellence in decisively defeating the terrorists’ assault,” Goni explained.

Operation HADIN KAI, according to him, remains resolute in its determination to dominate the battlespace, deny terrorists freedom of action, and restore lasting peace and security across the North East. (Vanguard)