By Bavoriat Clara
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Joint Task Force North East, have repelled a coordinated terrorist attack on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kangar, located in Mallam Fatori, Borno State, in the early hours of Tuesday, 4 November 2025.
The assault, which began around 0430 hours, was launched by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists who employed armed drones and mortar fire in an attempt to breach the base’s defensive perimeter. However, the troops, reinforced by the Main Force of the Battalion under Sector 3, displayed exceptional courage, tactical skill, and superior firepower, successfully thwarting the attack.
Despite the terrorists’ initial use of drones and indirect fire, the troops held their ground and engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange, backed by close air support from Nigerien Fighter Ground Attack aircraft. The insurgents were ultimately overpowered and forced to retreat in disarray into the Tumbun waterways, evacuating several of their casualties.
A post-battle assessment confirmed the neutralization of six terrorists and the recovery of several arms and ammunition, including:
- Five AK-47 rifles
- Eight AK-47 magazines
- 258 rounds of 7.62mm x 39 ammunition
- Five RPG bombs
- Four armed drone bombs
- Five 36-type hand grenades
- Two bandoliers
- One Android phone
Follow-on air interdiction strikes by the Nigerian Air Force, in collaboration with the Nigerien Air Force, further eliminated additional fleeing terrorists.
A few personnel of Operation HADIN KAI and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained minor injuries during the encounter. They have since been evacuated by Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) platforms for medical attention and are reported to be in stable condition. The MNJTF also provided Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) support, enhancing the situational awareness of the ground forces.
Exploitation operations are currently ongoing within the waterways and adjoining areas to track down fleeing terrorists and deny them freedom of action.
The Military High Command commended the gallant troops for their resilience, bravery, and professionalism, reaffirming the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to restoring lasting peace and security in the North East region through sustained and coordinated operations.
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