By Salihu Pirkusu, Maiduguri
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in the early hours of Saturday, 28 March 2026 killed 38 members of Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists after a failed multiple front attack it’s Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Mandaragirau village, Biu local government area of Borno state.
Also, a total of seven (7) AK-47 rifles, eight (8) magazines, four (4) Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) bombs and assorted ammunition were recovered, while troops recording no fatalities; one (1) Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle was hit by RPG fire, with injured personnel promptly stabilised.
The success story was jointly executed by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI which provided close air support to the troops and Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance ( ISR ) feedbacks to enhance targeted kinetic responses.
According to the Media Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, on Saturday, troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in the early hours of Saturday, 28 March 2026 decisively defeated a half hearted attack by ISWAP terrorists on FOB Mandaragirau in Sector 2.
He further said , “Troops engaged the attackers with well-coordinated and deliberate offensive-defensive response that forced them into a disorderly withdrawal while the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided close air support to the troops and Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance ( ISR ) feedbacks to enhance targeted kinetic responses, ” adding that, “subsequent exploitation along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes inflicted further heavy losses.
He said a total of about 38 terrorists were neutralised with eight bodies recovered so far within the immediate engagement area and human intelligence from locals confirming over 30 additional terrorists bodies and weapons strewn along Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis into the Timbuktu Triangle. This was evidenced by blood trails and abandoned equipment.
“Troops also recovered 7 AK-47 rifles, 8 magazines, 4 RPG bombs and assorted ammunition, while recording no fatalities; one MRAP was hit by RPG fire, with injured personnel promptly stabilised. The scale of enemy losses has triggered widespread jubilation among local communities and underscores the sustained dominance of OPHK troops in denying terrorists freedom of action.
“Further exploitation operations are ongoing along the Garin Mallum – Garin Gajere axis at the fringes of the Timbuktu Triangle to recover the littered terrorists corpses and consolidate gains.
“The Military High Command commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience, urging them to sustain the operational tempo in the security interest of the North East region,” Uba said
