Nigerian Army Confirms Attack on Military Base in Borno

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that a military base in Borno State was attacked. Five soldiers and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) lost their lives in the incident.

The army stated that troops from Operation Hadin Kai, a joint task force in the North-east, successfully fought off the attackers.

Earlier reports from PREMIUM TIMES mentioned that insurgents, believed to be Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), targeted a military base near the Mandara axis. They reportedly killed eight soldiers and injured others.

In a statement released on Friday, Haruna Sani, the spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, provided details about the attack. He said the attack focused on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mandara-Girau, part of the 25 Brigade, Sector 2 of the task force.

Mr Sani mentioned that the assault happened around 3 a.m. He explained that the attackers used heavy rain and poor visibility to their advantage in a bid to breach the base's defenses.

The spokesperson for the army said troops managed to launch a strong counter-offensive that stopped the attack. They prevented the terrorists from entering the facility.

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

"Regrettably, in the course of the battle, five gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the intense firefight and close-quarter engagement while some equipment were also affected by the firefight," Mr Sani said. He also added that "three members of the CJTF also fell alongside troops."

He stated that the wounded were airlifted by the air component command of the task force. "They are currently in stable condition while receiving appropriate medicare," he said.

Mr Sani praised the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers, saying it reflects the highest traditions of service, courage, and unwavering commitment to defending the nation.

Despite the loss of life, the military confirmed that troops maintained control of the base and continued operations in the area.

"Troops remain firmly in control of the FOB and continue to dominate the general area, while exploitation operations are ongoing for consolidation," Mr Sani stated.

He described the attack as a sign of the "growing desperation" of terrorist groups in the North-east. He noted that these groups have faced significant losses due to ongoing military actions.

Mr Sani added that more troops and essential combat resources have been sent to the region to keep pressure on terrorist groups and protect communities.