Nigerian troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully repelled a major ISWAP assault on a Forward Operating Base in Borno State, neutralizing 38 terrorists and recovering a significant cache of weapons following a fierce engagement on Saturday.
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), delivered a devastating blow to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on Saturday, March 28, 2026, after successfully repelling an attack on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mandaragirau, Borno State. According to a statement released by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for OPHK Headquarters, the insurgents launched a coordinated assault that was met with a “well-coordinated ambushes and a deliberate offensive-defensive response that forced them into a disorderly withdrawal.” The Nigerian Air Force provided critical close air support and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) feedback, enabling ground troops to enhance their kinetic response and overwhelm the attackers with superior firepower.
The engagement resulted in the neutralization of approximately 38 terrorists, with eight bodies recovered immediately within the engagement area. Military authorities reported that subsequent exploitation of the withdrawal routes toward the “Timbuktu Triangle” revealed even higher casualties among the retreating insurgents. “A total of about 38 terrorists were neutralized with 8 bodies recovered so far within the immediate engagement area and human intelligence from locals confirming over 30 additional terrorists’ bodies and weapons strewn along Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis into the Timbuktu Triangle. This was evidenced by blood trails and abandoned equipment,” the statement added. The fleeing remnants of the group reportedly abandoned a significant amount of logistics and weaponry as they scrambled for safety in the dense forest.
This latest success highlights the ongoing pressure being applied to ISWAP supply routes and operational hubs in the North East. The Joint Task Force reiterated its commitment to maintaining the offensive momentum to ensure the total degradation of terrorist capabilities in the region. Local intelligence played a vital role in the aftermath of the battle, helping troops identify the full extent of the insurgents’ losses along the Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis. As the military continues its mop-up operations, residents of the area have been encouraged to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to security forces to prevent further incursions.
Battle Statistics: FOB Mandaragirau (March 28, 2026)
| Category | Details |
| Terrorists Neutralized | 38 (8 recovered, 30+ confirmed by Intel) |
| Location of Engagement | FOB Mandaragirau, Borno State |
| Withdrawal Route | Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis (Timbuktu Triangle) |
| Assets Involved | Ground Troops (OPHK) & Air Component Support |
| Recovered Items | Weapons, ammunition, and abandoned logistic equipment |