By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mandaragirau in Sector 2, inflicting heavy casualties on the insurgents.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, March 28, 2026, was met with a swift and well-coordinated offensive-defensive response by the troops.
Supported by the Air Component of OPHK, which provided close air support and real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), the troops forced the terrorists into a chaotic retreat.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, troops pursued the fleeing insurgents along their withdrawal routes, leading to significant additional losses. He disclosed that about 38 terrorists were neutralised, with eight bodies recovered within the immediate area of engagement, while local intelligence indicated that over 30 additional bodies and weapons were abandoned along the Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis into the Timbuktu Triangle.
Recovered items from the scene include seven AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, four RPG bombs, and assorted ammunition. Notably, no fatalities were recorded among the troops, although one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle was struck by RPG fire. Injured personnel have since been stabilised.
The operation has sparked jubilation among local communities, reflecting growing confidence in the military’s sustained efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities and restrict their freedom of movement.
Troops have continued exploitation operations in the area to recover additional terrorist bodies and equipment while consolidating the gains achieved.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their bravery and resilience, urging them to maintain the momentum in ongoing operations to secure lasting peace in the North East.
