38 ISWAP Fighters Killed as Troops Foil Midnight Assault on Borno Base

By Jamila Muhmmad

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai has successfully repelled a coordinated attack launched by suspected ISWAP fighters on a Forward Operating Base in Mandaragirau, Borno State, killing dozens of insurgents and recovering weapons during the fierce encounter.

The military said the attempted invasion happened in the early hours of Saturday, when the terrorists launched a multi-directional assault on the base.

In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt-Col Sani Uba, the troops responded swiftly with what he described as a “well-coordinated offensive and defensive action”, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray.

He explained that the air component of the operation played a crucial role during the battle by providing close air support as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support, which helped troops to strike accurately at the fleeing insurgents.

According to him, the troops did not only repel the attack but also pursued the terrorists along their withdrawal routes, inflicting further casualties in the process.

The military reported that the operation neutralised at least 38 insurgents, and they recovered eight bodies around the immediate scene of the clash.

It added that intelligence gathered from residents and other local sources indicated that over 30 more bodies of the terrorists, along with abandoned weapons, were seen along the Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere corridor stretching into the notorious Timbuktu Triangle.

The statement noted that blood stains and abandoned combat items found along the escape routes suggested that the fleeing terrorists suffered heavy losses during the pursuit.

Weapons and other items recovered after the operation included seven AK-47 rifles, eight loaded magazines, four rocket-propelled grenade bombs and various calibres of ammunition.

The military also disclosed that no soldier was killed during the encounter, although one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle was struck by rocket fire. Some personnel sustained injuries but were said to have been treated and stabilised.

Operation Hadin Kai said the successful defence of the base has further strengthened confidence among residents in surrounding communities and reaffirmed the military’s determination to deny insurgents any foothold in the North-East.

The statement added that troops are still carrying out follow-up clearance operations in the area to recover more weapons and exploit the gains recorded during the battle.

It also revealed that the military high command had praised the troops for their bravery and resilience, urging them to sustain the momentum in ongoing counter-insurgency operations across the region.

COAS to Troops: Turn Training Into Action, Uphold Discipline in Operations

By Ahmed Muhammad 

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to put their training into effective use and maintain a high level of discipline in the discharge of their duties.

General Shaibu gave the charge on Friday during an operational visit to the 33 Artillery Brigade at Shadawanka Barracks in Bauchi, where he addressed troops about the need for professionalism, accountability, and readiness in the face of evolving security challenges.

Speaking to the personnel, the army chief said military success is not determined by training alone but by how well soldiers apply what they have learnt in real operational environments.

He reminded the troops that the knowledge and capabilities they had available must be translated into practical results on the battlefield and in every assigned task.

“You’ve been given knowledge and skills, and it’s vital that you learn to use them well.” That must be clear to every one of you,” he said.

General Shaibu also stressed that discipline and integrity must remain central to the conduct of every soldier, both in service and in personal behaviour.

He urged the troops to take pride in their responsibilities and ensure that their actions always reflect the values of the Nigerian Army.

“Take pride in what you are doing. Your actions must reflect discipline and integrity, not just in words but in conduct. Always evaluate your actions and ensure they align with your duties,” he said.

The COAS further called for proper documentation, transparency and accountability across all formations, noting that professionalism in military operations goes beyond combat and must also be reflected in administrative and operational processes.

He commended officers and men serving in difficult and remote locations across the country, describing their sacrifice and dedication as a source of pride to the Nigerian Army.

However, he cautioned that personnel must consistently uphold the expected standard of excellence.

General Shaibu also placed strong emphasis on force protection, directing commanders at every level to treat the safety and security of troops as a top operational priority.

“Commanders at all levels must pay close attention to force protection. I repeat, force protection is critical in all operations,” he said.

He urged soldiers to remain alert, proactive, and mission-driven, saying the current security environment requires vigilance, commitment, and a swift response to emerging threats.

During a separate engagement at the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps Headquarters, Obienu Barracks, the army chief again reiterated the value of combining training with modern military equipment to confront present and future security challenges effectively.

He reassured troops of the Nigerian Army’s continued commitment to improving their welfare and operational conditions, while calling on them to remain prepared for future assignments.

“As we prepare for upcoming operations, ensure that you understand your roles clearly. This is not a time for inaction,” he said.

General Shaibu concluded by urging personnel to stay disciplined, focused and committed to the defence of the nation, assuring them that operational directives and guidance would continue to flow through the appropriate chain of command.