Five Nigerian soldiers and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed in the early hours of Friday after Boko Haram fighters attacked a military base in Mandaragirau, Biu Local Government Area (LGA), the military has confirmed.
According to a statement issued on Friday by Lt Col Haruna Sani, Acting Media Information Officer for Operation HADIN KAI, the assault began at approximately 03:00hrs on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) under 25 Brigade, Sector 2.
Lt Col Sani said troops "contained the attack despite adverse weather conditions and poor visibility occasioned by heavy rainstorms."
He added that the soldiers responded with a counter-offensive which "frustrated further incursions and inflicted casualties on the attackers."
"Regrettably, in the course of the battle, five gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the intense firefight and close-quarter engagement," the statement read.
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The military confirmed that three CJTF members were also killed with equipment at the base also damaged.
Those wounded, it said, were airlifted by the Air Component Command and are receiving treatment in stable condition.
"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," Lt Col Sani said.
He added that troops remain in control of the FOB and that exploitation operations are ongoing.
The statement concluded that the failed attack "underscores the growing desperation of terrorist elements who continue to suffer devastating losses under sustained operational pressure."
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