At least 38 fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been killed in a coordinated ground and air operation by troops of Operation Hadin Kai in North-East Nigeria.
The terrorists were neutralised in the early hours of Saturday as they attempted to launch an attack on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mandaragirau, Sector 2.
In a statement, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Military Task Force, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said troops repelled the assault through a well-coordinated ambush and a strong offensive-defensive response, forcing the insurgents into a chaotic retreat.
He explained that the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai provided close air support alongside intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), enabling precise and effective strikes on the fleeing terrorists.
“Follow-up operations along the withdrawal routes inflicted additional heavy casualties on the terrorists,” Uba stated, noting that eight bodies were recovered at the scene, while intelligence from locals confirmed over 30 more casualties along the Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis extending into the Timbuktu Triangle.
Troops also recovered a cache of weapons, including seven AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs, and assorted ammunition.
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Despite the intensity of the encounter, the military recorded no fatalities among its personnel, although one soldier sustained injuries and a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle was damaged by an RPG.
Uba added that the significant losses suffered by the insurgents have sparked celebrations among local communities and reaffirmed the military’s continued dominance in restricting terrorist movements in the region.
He noted that troops are sustaining exploitation operations in the area to recover more bodies and consolidate gains made during the offensive.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
