A Commanding Officer and six other security personnel have been killed in a Boko Haram attack in Borno State, in what military authorities described as a fierce but ultimately repelled assault on troops.
The incident occurred late on April 12, 2026, at a military position known as Charlie 13 in Monguno Local Government Area. Troops of Sector 3 under the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI came under attack by insurgents in what officials termed an “isolated terrorist incursion.”
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the troops engaged the attackers in a prolonged exchange of gunfire. The military said the insurgents were eventually overpowered and forced to retreat, while soldiers maintained control of the area.
Despite the tactical success, the operation recorded significant casualties. The Commanding Officer was killed after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) struck his vehicle as he advanced toward the frontline to assess the situation firsthand. Six other personnel also died in the blast.
Military authorities highlighted the officer’s bravery, noting that his decision to move toward the scene after the immediate threat had been suppressed demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to duty. His actions, they said, reflected a tradition of leading from the front, even in the face of grave danger.
The statement further described the fallen officer as courageous and selfless, emphasizing that his sacrifice, alongside those of the other slain personnel, underscores the risks faced daily by troops in the North-East counterinsurgency operations.
Operation HADIN KAI expressed deep sorrow over the loss, extending condolences to the families of the deceased and assuring that their sacrifices would not be forgotten. The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on insurgent groups and restoring lasting peace to the region.
The latest attack highlights the continued threat posed by insurgents in Borno State, despite ongoing military operations aimed at curbing their activities.
