Troops of Sector 3 under the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have repelled an attempted infiltration by insurgents at a military position in Monguno, but suffered fatal losses from an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) shortly after the engagement.
The incident occurred in the late hours of April 12, 2026, at a location identified as Charlie 13.
The development is coming some four days after suspected members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) carried out coordinated attacks on military formations in Benisheikh, Kaga local government area as well as Ngamdu and Pulka town in the Gwoza local government area, both in Borno state.
In the ensuing melee, the Brigade Commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah and 17 soldiers were killed, and several others injured.
…The latest attack
Announcing the latest attack Monday on his X, the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel, Sani Uba, said the troops came under an isolated attack by terrorists who attempted to breach the defensive position.
“The fierce exchange of gunfire followed, during which the troops successfully overpowered the attackers, forcing them to retreat and securing the area.
“However, tragedy struck in the aftermath of the confrontation. The Commanding Officer, who was moving toward the frontline to personally assess the situation and encourage his men, encountered an IED.
“The explosion severely damaged his vehicle, killing him and six other personnel,” Uba said.
Military authorities described the fallen officer as a courageous leader who demonstrated exceptional bravery and commitment to duty.
His decision to move to the troops’ location, despite the prevailing risks, was said to reflect the highest standards of leadership and selfless service.
The Joint Task Force expressed deep sorrow over the loss, noting that the sacrifices of the deceased personnel would not be forgotten.
It reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing operations in the North East, aimed at restoring peace and stability to the region.
….Army on training efficiency
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has reiterated the need for intensified training to enhance operational effectiveness and sustain battlefield readiness across all formations.
The Director, Support Services, Defence Headquarters, Major-General Isiaka Olatunji, said this Monday at the opening of the 2026 Guards Brigade Corporals and Below Competition in Abuja.
Olatunji said training remained the backbone of military efficiency, stressing that no army could succeed in contemporary security operations without continuous skill development and rigorous field exercises.
He explained that the competition was designed to test the physical, mental and tactical proficiency of junior soldiers who form the backbone of operational execution within the Nigerian Army.
He said “we must train harder to ensure operational effectiveness. Training is not optional; it is essential for survival and success on the battlefield.”
According to him, corporals and below represent the category of personnel who directly execute missions in the field, often in close contact with adversaries.
“You are the ones who execute missions. You come face to face with the enemy at the tactical level,” he added.
The director noted that the exercise would strengthen resilience, discipline, teamwork and combat readiness among participating troops.
He said the Guards Brigade, known for its ceremonial and operational responsibilities in the Federal Capital Territory, remained a critical formation in the defence architecture of the country.
Olatunji urged participants to embrace the training opportunities provided by the competition, describing excellence as “a product of continuous challenge and discipline.”
He also charged troops to uphold professionalism and demonstrate a high level of competence throughout the exercise.
On his part, the Commander, Guards Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, said “the competition aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s vision of building a more adaptive, resilient and combat-ready force.”
Onasanya said the exercise would assess weapon handling skills, physical fitness and decision-making abilities of participants.
He added that the outcome of the competition would contribute significantly to determining troop readiness for operational deployments.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the annual Guards Brigade Corporals and Below Competition brings together units for intensive drills and tactical exercises, aimed at improving efficiency and professionalism within the Nigerian Army.
