Suspected Bandits Kill Five Soldiers, Three CJTF Members in Borno Attack

Five soldiers and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) have been killed following an attack by suspected bandits on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Army in Mandaragira, Borno State.

The attack reportedly occurred at about 3:00 a.m. on Friday, with the assailants targeting the military facility and carting away some equipment used in military operations.

The incident was confirmed in a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M. Sani, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI.

According to the statement, the attack resulted in the deaths of five soldiers and three CJTF operatives, while several others sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire.

The wounded personnel were subsequently airlifted by the Air Component Command for medical treatment.

Despite the casualties, the military said troops successfully repelled the attack and inflicted significant losses on the insurgents.

Sani stated that troops neutralised several attackers during the confrontation and prevented them from taking control of the base.

He noted that personnel of the Forward Operating Base under the 25 Brigade, Sector 2 of Operation HADIN KAI, had continued to maintain pressure on insurgent groups operating within the North-East region.

According to the military, additional troops and critical combat resources have been deployed to strengthen operations and enhance security in the affected area.

The statement further assured residents that troops remain firmly in control of the base and surrounding communities.

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

Military authorities also reiterated their commitment to protecting communities and sustaining ongoing counter-insurgency operations across the North-East.

The latest attack highlights the continuing security challenges confronting parts of Borno State despite ongoing military offensives against insurgent groups operating in the region.

Security agencies have continued to intensify operations aimed at degrading the capabilities of armed groups and restoring lasting peace to affected communities.