No fewer than seven soldiers lost their lives on Sunday as troops of the Nigerian Army repelled a terrorist attack on their Charlie 13 position in Monguno, Borno State.

Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Uba said although, the troops were successful in repelling the attack, the Commanding Officer and six soldiers died when their vehicle hit an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) when the CO moved to assess the situation.

“Troops of Sector 3 , Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) came under an isolated Tango terrorist attack on Charlie 13 location in Monguno, in the late hours of 12 April 2026. Following intense fire exchanges, the terrorists were put to flight, with troops maintaining control of the location,” the statement read.

“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 6 other gallant personnel.

Uba praised the late CO, saying: “His actions, even after the immediate threat had been neutralised, reflected the highest traditions of military leadership; courage, selfless service, and leading from the front.

“His willingness to move towards the troops in the heat of the battle, despite the prevailing danger, stands as a profound testament to his valour, sense of duty, and unwavering commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of his men.”

Uba said Operation HADIN KAI deeply mourns the loss of this exceptional officer and the other brave personnel who paid the supreme price in service to the nation.

He added that their sacrifice will forever remain etched in the memory of the Armed Forces and the grateful nation they served.