Army Confirms Borno Base Attack, Says Five Soldiers Killed

The Nigerian Army has confirmed an attack on a military base in Borno State, saying five soldiers and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed during the incident.

Naija News reports that the army, however, said troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled the attack and retained control of the facility.

In a statement issued on Friday, the spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Haruna Sani, said the attack targeted the Forward Operating Base, Mandara-Girau, under the 25 Brigade, Sector 2 of the operation.

According to him, the assault occurred around 3 a.m.

Sani explained that the insurgents launched the attack during heavy rainfall and poor visibility in an attempt to exploit the weather conditions.

The military spokesperson said troops mounted a strong response and prevented the attackers from overrunning the base.

“Determined troops responded with a fierce counter-offensive, decisively frustrating further incursions and inflicting casualties on the attackers,” he said.

Sani said five soldiers lost their lives during the intense battle.

“Regrettably, in the course of the battle, five gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the intense firefight and close-quarter engagement,” he stated.

He added that three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force also died during the attack.

Some military equipment was reportedly damaged in the exchange of fire.

The army said wounded personnel had been airlifted by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai and were receiving medical treatment.

According to Sani, the injured personnel are in stable condition.

Despite the casualties, the military said troops remained in full control of the Forward Operating Base.

“Troops remain firmly in control of the FOB and continue to dominate the general area, while exploitation operations are ongoing for consolidation,” he said.

The military described the attack as a sign of the desperation of terrorist groups operating in the North-East.

Sani noted that insurgents had suffered significant losses from ongoing military operations and disclosed that additional troops and combat assets had been deployed across the theatre to sustain pressure on the terrorists and protect communities in the region.