Boko Haram attack Borno leaves soldiers and CJTF members dead after insurgents storm a military base in Biu Local Government Area

Boko Haram insurgents attacked a Nigerian Army Forward Operating Base in Mandaragirau, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, in the early hours of Friday, killing five soldiers and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force during a fierce gun battle, according to military authorities.

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The attack targeted the base under the 25 Brigade of Sector 2 of Operation HADIN KAI at about 3am amid heavy rainfall and poor visibility.

In a statement, the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Haruna Sani, said the terrorists attempted to breach sections of the military facility but were repelled by troops who mounted a determined counter-offensive.

According to Sani, the soldiers successfully contained the assault despite difficult weather conditions that hampered visibility.

“Determined troops responded with a fierce counter-offensive, decisively frustrating further incursions and inflicting casualties on the attackers. The counter-assault underscores the resilience of the troops at FOB Mandaragirau and reflects the courage and determination of our personnel across the theatre,” he said.

Sani confirmed that five soldiers lost their lives during the intense exchange of fire and close-quarter combat, while some military equipment was also damaged.

He described the fallen personnel as heroes whose sacrifice reflected exceptional courage and commitment to national defence.

“Operation HADIN KAI honours their heroism and the bravery of all personnel who stood firm in the face of a determined but ultimately futile enemy assault,” he stated.

The military also confirmed that three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force were killed during the attack.

According to the statement, injured personnel were airlifted by the Air Component Command for medical treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.

Military authorities said troops remain in full control of the Forward Operating Base and have continued clearance and exploitation operations in the surrounding area.

The command added that additional troops and critical combat assets had been deployed to reinforce security across the North-East theatre.

The Boko Haram Attack Borno has, however, generated conflicting accounts regarding the scale of casualties.

Local sources told journalists that the insurgents operated around the military position for close to an hour during the downpour.

The President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, confirmed the incident and claimed that more than one location came under attack.

“Yes, the attack occurred. They stormed the location and killed many soldiers. It is not one place that was attacked,” Kaigama said.

He called for stronger security measures and deeper community involvement in intelligence gathering to help security agencies track terrorist movements more effectively.

“The government needs to create a platform for knowledgeable people to discuss and review security issues. Just like forest guards are being created, there must be a grassroots liaison initiative not controlled solely by the government. Through such structures, some of these attacks can be reduced,” he added.

Military sources also disputed the official casualty figure, with one source claiming that the death toll among soldiers was higher than publicly reported.

Another source alleged that some troops were forced to retreat after insurgents breached parts of the base during the heavy rainstorm.

A video circulating on social media and reportedly recorded after the attack showed soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force assessing the aftermath, with several bodies visible within the military facility.

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The latest Boko Haram Attack Borno highlights the continuing security challenges facing communities and military formations in the North-East despite ongoing counter-insurgency operations against terrorist groups in the region.