Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, have repelled coordinated attacks by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on three military forward operating bases in Borno State, killing 10 terrorists and recovering weapons during intense counter-operations.
The Nigerian military confirmed that the attacks, which targeted Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Mayanti, Gajigana and Gajiram, occurred between February 28 and March 1, 2026, but were successfully foiled, with troops maintaining full control of all positions.
However, the military disclosed that a Nigerian Army Major lost his life during the encounter.
Troops repel heavy assault in Mayanti
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, troops came under heavy attack at FOB Mayanti on February 28 but held their ground despite intense enemy fire.
Reinforcements reportedly fought through ambushes and improvised explosive device (IED) threats to repel the attackers.
Five terrorists were confirmed killed during the engagement, while troops recovered significant combat equipment, including:
- Three PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns
- Two RPG-7 launchers
- Four AK-47 rifles
- Two FN rifles
- Three RPG bombs
- Large quantities of 7.62mm ammunition
Blood trails found at the scene suggested additional terrorist casualties.
“Gallant troops held firm despite intense enemy fire… Sadly, an officer paid the supreme price,” Uba said.
Armed drones used in Gajiram attack
The military said terrorists launched another attack at about 1:15 a.m. on March 1 against FOB Gajiram using PKT guns, rocket-propelled grenades and armed drones.
The assault was repelled with coordinated ground resistance supported by Nigerian Army air assets.
Three terrorist bodies were recovered along the withdrawal route alongside:
- Four AK-47 rifles
- Five anti-tank bombs
- Three locally fabricated mortar bombs
- One armed drone
- Fully loaded ammunition magazines
- Barbed wire cutters and specialised ammunition
- Poisoned arrows and other combat items
A wounded soldier was airlifted by an Army Aviation helicopter for advanced medical treatment.
Gajigana base secured
Troops also thwarted an attempted attack on FOB Gajigana, successfully retaining operational control of the base without reported territorial loss.
According to the military, two terrorists were killed during the Gajigana encounter, bringing the total number neutralised across the operations to ten.
Offensive operations intensified
Beyond defensive operations, troops launched follow-up offensives across Sector 2, engaging suspected terrorists at Kayawa Village and forcing them to flee while abandoning logistics assets, including:
- One tricycle
- Three motorcycles
- Five bicycles
Troops also destroyed identified terrorist life-support structures and arrested two suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers. Drugs and medical supplies used for treating wounded fighters were recovered.
In a separate ambush near Bulturam Corner and Dadingel in Gujba Local Government Area, soldiers neutralised two additional terrorists and recovered weapons and ammunition.
Military cites growing pressure on terrorists
The military described the failed assaults as evidence of mounting pressure on terrorist networks operating in the North-East.
“The failed attacks underscore the growing desperation of terrorist elements under sustained pressure on their enclaves, logistics corridors and leadership structures,” the statement said.
Operation Hadin Kai added that continued offensive operations have restricted terrorist mobility and forced fighters into disorderly retreats with heavy losses.
“All locations remain firmly under own control,” the military said, noting that recent battlefield successes reflect the degrading combat capacity of ISWAP elements in the region.
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