11 soldiers, six CJTF killed in military base attack

At least 11 soldiers and six special forces Civilian JTF feared dead when Islamic State of West African Province ISWAP terrorists attacked military formations in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State on Friday, source said.

The incident which took place at about 4:am on Friday during heavy rainfall at remote village Mandaragirau, and outskirts of Biu located along the Biu-Damboa-Maiduguri.

According to cjtf source told Correspondent that he saw several military ambulances evacuating the dead and the injured ones into Biu town for medical attention.

He added that the base in Mandaragirau under 25 Brigade, Sector 2, came under heavy attacks from different angles.

“At least 11 soldiers lost their lives and six members of CJTF were equally killed, and unspecified number wounded in the assault.”he said.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Friday, Haruna Sani,
the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai ,said troops at the base contained the attack despite adverse weather conditions and poor visibility caused by heavy rainfall.

He said, “Troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mandaragirau under 25 Brigade of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, successfully contained a terrorist attack in the early hours of this morning despite adverse weather conditions and poor visibility occasioned by heavy rainstorms.

“The terrorists launched the attack at approximately 0300 hours and attempted to breach sections of the FOB under the extreme weather conditions.

“Determined troops responded with a fierce counter-offensive, decisively frustrating further incursions and inflicting casualties on the attackers. The counter-assault underscores the resilience of the troops at FOB Mandaragirau and reflects the courage and determination of our troops across the theatre.”

He added, “Regrettably, in the course of the battle, five gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the intense firefight and close-quarter engagement, while some equipment was also affected by the firefight.

“Operation HADIN KAI honours their heroism and the bravery of all personnel who stood firm in the face of a determined but ultimately futile enemy assault.

“Three members of the CJTF also fell alongside troops, while those wounded have been promptly airlifted by the Air Component Command and are currently in stable condition while receiving appropriate medical care.”the statement noted.