Boko Haram terrorists, in the early hours of Friday, attacked a Nigerian Army base in Mandaragirau under the 25 Brigade of Sector 2 in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, killing five soldiers and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force who were on duty.

In a statement, the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Haruna Sani, said troops at the base contained the attack despite adverse weather conditions and poor visibility caused by heavy rainfall.

According to him, the terrorists launched the attack at about 3am and attempted to breach sections of the FOB under heavy rain and poor visibility.

“Determined troops responded with a fierce counter-offensive, decisively frustrating further incursions and inflicting casualties on the attackers.

"The counter-assault underscores the resilience of the troops at FOB Mandaragirau and reflects the courage and determination of our personnel across the theatre,” Sani said.

He added that five soldiers paid the “supreme price” during the intense firefight and close-quarter combat, while some equipment was also affected.

Sani noted that their sacrifice embodied the highest traditions of service, courage and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation.

“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.

“Three members of the CJTF also fell alongside the troops, while those wounded have been promptly airlifted by the Air Component Command and are currently in stable condition receiving medical care,” he said.

Sani assured that troops remain firmly in control of the FOB and continue to dominate the general area, while exploitation operations are ongoing for consolidation.

“These failed attacks further underscore the growing desperation of terrorist elements who continue to suffer devastating losses under sustained operational pressure.

"All necessary measures are being taken to protect communities and sustain relentless pressure, with the deployment of additional troops and critical combat enablers throughout the North-East theatre,” the statement added.

Sources in the local government who confirmed the incident said the attackers stormed the military location and operated for nearly one hour with little or no resistance during heavy rainfall.

The President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, also confirmed the attack, saying more than one location was targeted.

“Yes, the attack occurred. They stormed the location and killed many soldiers. It is not one place that was attacked,” he said

He urged the government to intensify security measures and strengthen community engagement to improve intelligence gathering on terrorist movements.

“The government needs to create a platform for knowledgeable people to discuss and review security issues. Just like forest guards are being created, there must be a grassroots liaison initiative not controlled solely by the government. Through such structures, some of these attacks can be reduced,” Kaigama said.

Military sources told journalists that the attack occurred during a downpour in the early hours of Friday, forcing troops into a fierce gun battle with the insurgents.

One of the sources said the terrorists pursued fleeing soldiers after breaching the base.

“Boko Haram chased them. If you see how they killed our people, some soldiers had to run for their lives. Everything happened when it was raining,” the source said.

Another military source disputed the official casualty figure, insisting that more than eight soldiers were killed, while others were injured.

“Eight? They are more than eight who were killed, while others were injured,” the source revealed.

A viral video showed soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force discussing the aftermath of the attack, with several bodies seen in different locations within the base.