…Army: How We Foiled Monguno Attack
By Abu Adamu
President Bola Tinubu on Monday held a high-level security meeting with service chiefs and intelligence heads at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as the Nigerian Army confirmed the killing of a Commanding Officer and six soldiers in a terrorist attack in Monguno, Borno State.
The closed-door meeting, which included the Chief of Defence Staff, National Security Adviser, service chiefs, Director-General of the Department of State Services, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, and the Inspector-General of Police, comes amid renewed attacks on military formations across parts of the country.
The development coincided with confirmation by the military that troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully foiled a terrorist infiltration attack on their position, despite suffering casualties.
According to a statement by the Joint Task Force (North East), troops of Sector 3 came under what it described as an isolated attack on the Charlie 13 location in Monguno late on April 12, 2026.
The troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat while maintaining full control of the area.
However, the military disclosed that tragedy struck shortly after the encounter when the Commanding Officer, who had moved towards the frontline to assess the situation, encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
“Regrettably, the Commanding Officer, while courageously proceeding to the troops’ location to personally assess the situation, encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which severely affected his vehicle, leading to his death alongside six other gallant personnel,” the statement said.
The Army described the fallen officer as a brave and selfless leader whose actions reflected the highest traditions of military service, noting that his decision to move to the frontline despite the danger underscored his commitment to his troops and the mission.
Operation HADIN KAI said it deeply mourns the loss of the officer and the six soldiers, describing them as heroes who paid the ultimate price in service to the nation.
Despite the loss, the military maintained that troops remain firmly in control of the location, with the attempted terrorist attack effectively repelled.
The latest incident is believed to have formed part of the context for the President’s meeting with security chiefs, as authorities intensify efforts to curb the resurgence of attacks in the North-East and other parts of the country.