Troops Repel Boko Haram Attack on FOB Katarko, Neutralize 23 Terrorists

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 198 Special Forces Battalion, stationed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Katarko within Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, successfully repelled a coordinated Boko Haram terrorist assault in the early hours of October 23, 2025. The attackers, armed with sophisticated weaponry, launched an infiltration attempt at about 3:05 am but were met with overwhelming resistance from the well-prepared and resolute soldiers. The troops inflicted heavy casualties on the insurgents, neutralizing 23 terrorists while several others fled wounded toward Gazargana, abandoning substantial arms and explosives, including PKT machine guns, AK-47 rifles, RPGs, mortar bombs, hand grenades, and improvised explosive device (IED) materials. Remarkably, the troops sustained no casualties during the fierce encounter.

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Following the victory, Brigadier General Mohammed Bako Shehu, Commander of the 402 Special Forces Brigade, visited FOB Katarko to commend the troops for their bravery and combat effectiveness, conveying commendations from the Chief of Army Staff, the 4 Special Forces Command, and the Theatre Commander. He urged the soldiers to maintain high vigilance and operational dominance to deny terrorists any freedom of action. The General also visited the Level 2 Hospital in Damaturu to encourage personnel recovering from minor injuries, assuring continued Army support for their welfare.

The overall security situation remains stable, with high troop morale and ongoing operations to pursue and clear remnants of the fleeing terrorists. This operation is part of a broader series of coordinated repelled attacks across Borno and Yobe states by Operation HADIN KAI, which inflicts heavy losses on Boko Haram and ISWAP militants, reaffirming the Nigerian military’s commitment to safeguarding national territorial integrity.