TROOPS of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, have successfully repelled coordinated attacks by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on three Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Borno State, killing at least 10 insurgents and recovering a cache of weapons.
The attacks, which targeted FOB Mayanti, FOB Gajigana and FOB Gajiram between February 28 and March 1, 2026, were decisively foiled, with troops retaining full control of all positions.
In a statement sent to News Point Nigeria by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Lt Col Sani Uba, the military described the failed assaults as evidence of growing desperation among insurgent elements under sustained operational pressure.
According to the statement, FOB Mayanti came under heavy attack on February 28 by a large number of terrorists.
“Gallant troops held firm despite intense enemy fire, as reinforcements fought through ambush and improvised explosive device threats to rout the attackers,” Uba said.
Five terrorists were confirmed killed in Mayanti, with blood trails suggesting additional casualties as the insurgents retreated.
During the encounter at Mayanti, troops recovered three PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, two RPG-7 tubes, four AK-47 rifles, two FN rifles, three RPG bombs and large quantities of 7.62mm ammunition.
However, the military confirmed that an officer was killed in action during the fierce exchange.
“Sadly, an officer paid the supreme price,” the statement noted.
At about 1:15 a.m. on March 1, terrorists armed with PKT guns, rocket-propelled grenades and armed drones launched another attack on FOB Gajiram. The assault was repelled with support from 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, six fully loaded 7.62mm NATO magazines, barbed wire cutters, specialised ammunition and poisoned arrows.
One wounded soldier was airlifted by a Nigerian Army Aviation helicopter for advanced medical care.
The attack on FOB Gajigana was also successfully thwarted, with two terrorists neutralised and troops maintaining full control of the base.
Lt Col Uba stated that the failed assaults underscore ISWAP’s weakening combat capacity amid sustained offensives targeting their enclaves, logistics corridors and leadership structures.
“Operation Hadin Kai’s sustained offensive posture continues to deny terrorists freedom of action, forcing them into disorderly retreats with heavy losses,” he said.
In separate operations under Sector 2, troops engaged suspected terrorists at Kayawa Village, forcing them to flee and abandon a tricycle, three motorcycles and five bicycles.
Troops also destroyed identified life-support structures and arrested two confessed ISWAP logistics suppliers. Drugs and medical consumables used for treating wounded terrorists were recovered during the raids.
Further operations around Bulturam Corner and Dadingel in Gujba Local Government Area led to the neutralisation of two additional terrorists. Troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines and a bicycle, among other items.
The military assured that all attacked and cleared locations remain firmly under control.
Operation Hadin Kai further reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations to dismantle remaining terrorist strongholds and ensure lasting security across the North East.