Nigerian Troops Kill 38 Terrorists in Borno Counter-Offensive

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), successfully repelled a significant insurgent attack on Saturday morning, neutralizing approximately 38 ISWAP terrorists in Borno State.

The encounter began when insurgents launched an assault on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mandaragirau in Sector 2. According to a statement by the Joint Task Force Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the troops responded with a coordinated "offensive-defensive" strategy, utilizing ambushes that forced the attackers into a disorganized retreat.

Decisive Air and Ground Coordination

The operation was bolstered by the Air Component of OPHK, which provided close air support to ground forces, enhancing the kinetic response against the fleeing militants.

Subsequent exploitation of the terrorists' withdrawal routes revealed the extent of the insurgent losses:

• Casualties: 8 bodies were recovered at the immediate scene, while local intelligence confirmed over 30 additional bodies and weapons scattered along the Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis toward the Timbuktu Triangle.

• Equipment Recovered: 7 AK-47 rifles, 8 magazines, 4 RPG bombs, and various rounds of ammunition.

• Troop Status: No fatalities were recorded among the Nigerian forces. One Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle sustained damage from RPG fire, and injured personnel are currently in stable condition.

Impact on Local Security

Lieutenant Colonel Uba noted that the successful operation has sparked jubilation among local communities. The military maintains that this victory underscores the "sustained dominance" of OPHK forces in the region and their commitment to denying terrorists freedom of movement.