Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Joint Task Force North East, have successfully thwarted a coordinated terrorist attack on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kangar, located at Mallam Fatori in Borno State, in the early hours of Tuesday, 4 November 2025.
The attack, launched at about 0430hrs by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, involved the use of armed drones and mortar fire targeting the defensive positions of the base. The troops, reinforced by the Main Force from the Battalion under Sector 3, displayed exceptional gallantry and tactical superiority to defeat the assault.
Despite the initial use of drones and indirect fire, the troops held their ground, engaging the terrorists in a fierce firefight supported by close air support from the Nigerien Fighter Ground Attack platforms.
The terrorists, overwhelmed by the superior firepower and coordination of the joint force, retreated in disarray into the waterways of the Tumbuns, evacuating several of their casualties.
A post-battle exploitation of the area confirmed the neutralisation of six terrorists and recovery of the following items: Five AK-47 rifles; Eight AK-47 rifle magazines; 258 rounds of 7.62mm x 39 ammunition; Five RPG bombs; Four armed drone bombs; Five 36-type hand grenades; Two bandoliers and One Android phone
Follow-on air interdiction by the Nigerian Air Force in conjunction with the Nigerien Air Force on the retreating terrorists further neutralised additional scores of the miscreants.
A few personnel of the Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI and some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained minor injuries during the engagement. They have since been evacuated by Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) platforms for medical attention and are all in stable condition. The MNJTF also provided Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) support to enhance situational awareness for the ground troops.
Exploitation operations are ongoing in the waterways and adjoining areas to track fleeing terrorists and deny them freedom of movement. Troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high as they continue to maintain dominance in the general area.
The Military High Command commended the gallant troops for their resilience, courage, and professionalism in the face of adversity. The Nigerian Armed Forces remain committed to restoring peace and security in the North East region through sustained and coordinated operations.