Boko Haram terrorists have killed five soldiers and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in an attack on a Nigerian Army base in Mandaragirau, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. The assault took place in the early hours of Friday, June 5, 2026.
The base, which falls under the 25 Brigade, Sector 2 of the Nigerian Army, was targeted by the insurgents at approximately 3 a.m. The Acting Media Information Officer of the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Haruna Sani, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday.
According to Sani, the terrorists attempted to breach sections of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) amidst extreme weather conditions. Troops successfully contained the attack despite adverse weather and poor visibility caused by heavy rainfall. However, during the intense firefight and close-quarter engagement, five soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice, and some equipment was damaged.
Additionally, three members of the CJTF lost their lives alongside the troops. The wounded have been promptly airlifted by the Air Component Command and are currently in stable condition, receiving appropriate medical care. Operation HADIN KAI honors the fallen heroes for their bravery in the face of a determined but ultimately futile enemy assault.
Previous Attacks and Responses
This incident follows a recent attack where Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah and 17 soldiers were killed in coordinated ISWAP attacks on military bases in Borno. Major General Michael Onoja stated that troops repelled the insurgents with exceptional courage, forcing them to retreat after heavy fighting. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the killings, describing the assault as a sign of desperation.
In another related event, the Nigerian Army confirmed that two soldiers and several Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists were killed during a failed attack on FOB Magumeri under Operation HADIN KAI in Borno state on May 7, 2026. Troops successfully repelled an early morning infiltration attempt, forcing the attackers to retreat after a fierce exchange of fire. The military recovered a cache of weapons, including PKT anti-aircraft guns and AK-47 rifles.
Broader Context
The ongoing insurgency in northeastern Nigeria continues to claim lives despite military efforts. The Nigerian Army remains committed to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of citizens. Operation HADIN KAI has been at the forefront of these efforts, conducting operations to neutralize terrorist threats and restore peace to the region.
Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies. The military also calls for continued support from local communities in the fight against terrorism.
