At least five soldiers and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force were killed when suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched an early morning assault on a military formation in Mandaragirau, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack, which occurred around 3 a.m. on Friday, targeted a Forward Operating Base under the 25 Brigade, Sector 2 of Operation HADIN KAI.
In a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Haruna Sani, the military said the terrorists attempted to penetrate sections of the base amid heavy rainfall and poor visibility.
According to the statement, troops stationed at the facility mounted a fierce resistance and successfully repelled the attackers despite the challenging weather conditions.
Sani said the soldiers responded with a determined counter-offensive that thwarted further attempts by the insurgents to overrun the base, adding that several terrorists were reportedly neutralised during the confrontation.
He disclosed that five soldiers lost their lives during the intense exchange of gunfire and close-quarter combat, while some military equipment was also affected in the attack.
The military spokesman described the fallen personnel as heroes who demonstrated exceptional courage and commitment in defending the nation.
He added that three CJTF operatives fighting alongside the troops were also killed, while injured personnel had been airlifted for medical treatment and were receiving care in stable condition.
Sani maintained that troops remained in full control of the base and had continued clearance and exploitation operations in the surrounding area to prevent further threats.
He stated that additional troops and critical combat assets had been deployed across the North-East theatre to sustain pressure on terrorist groups and enhance security in vulnerable communities.
However, residents and local sources offered a different account of the incident, claiming the insurgents operated within the area for an extended period during the downpour.
The President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, confirmed the attack and said multiple locations were targeted by the assailants.
He called on the government to strengthen intelligence gathering and expand community-based security initiatives to help curb recurring attacks in the region.
Military sources familiar with the incident also told Saturday PUNCH that the confrontation was more devastating than officially reported.
One source alleged that the insurgents pursued fleeing troops after breaching parts of the base, while another claimed the death toll among soldiers exceeded the figure released by the military.
Meanwhile, a video circulating on social media showed scenes from the aftermath of the attack, with soldiers and CJTF members assessing the damage as bodies were seen at different points within the military facility.
The latest assault underscores the persistent security challenges confronting parts of the North-East despite ongoing military operations against insurgent groups in the region.