Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in the early hours of Tuesday, neutralised six Boko Haram insurgents while repelling an attack on the Forward Operating Base at Kangar, in the Mallam Fatori area of Borno State.
A statement by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Uba Sanni, said troops also recovered several items, including four armed drones.
“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, Joint Task Force North East, have successfully thwarted a coordinated terrorist attack on Forward Operating Base Kangar, located at Mallam Fatori in Borno State, in the early hours of Tuesday, 4 November 2025,” the statement read.
According to Sanni, the attack, launched around 4:30 a.m. by Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters, involved the use of armed drones and mortar fire targeting the base’s defensive positions.
He said the troops, reinforced by forces from the battalion under Sector 3, displayed exceptional gallantry and tactical superiority to repel the assault.
Despite the heavy drone and indirect fire, the troops held their ground and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.
They were supported by close air support from 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,” he stated.
Sanni said a post-operation assessment confirmed the killing of six terrorists and recovery of items including five AK-47 rifles, eight AK-47 magazines, 258 rounds of 7.62×39mm ammunition, five RPG bombs, four armed drone bombs, five 36-type hand grenades, two bandoliers, and one Android phone.
He added that follow-on air interdiction by the Nigerian Air Force, working with the Nigerien Air Force, further neutralised “additional scores” of fleeing insurgents.
Sanni confirmed that a few personnel of Operation Hadin Kai and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force sustained minor injuries during the encounter.
They were evacuated by Multinational Joint Task Force platforms for medical attention and are said to be in stable condition.
He noted that MNJTF also provided intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support during the operation.
He said exploitation operations were ongoing in surrounding 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,” he added.
Sanni said the military high command had commended the troops for their resilience, courage and professionalism.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces remain committed to restoring peace and security in the North-East region through sustained and coordinated operations,” he said.
