By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI foiled coordinated ISWAP attacks on Forward Operating Bases in Mayanti, Gajigana and Gajiram, Borno State, between February 28 and March 1, 2026. The terrorists launched the assaults at night to overrun military positions. However, soldiers repelled the attackers, killed several fighters and recovered heavy weapons. The military confirmed the incidents on Sunday in Maiduguri through Lt. Col. Sani Uba.
Coordinated Night Assaults Repelled
According to Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, terrorists attacked FOB Mayanti on February 28.
The troops resisted intense gunfire and held their ground. Reinforcements pushed through ambushes and IED threats to dislodge the attackers.
After the firefight, soldiers found five terrorist bodies. They also recovered three PKT anti-aircraft guns, two RPG-7 tubes, four AK-47 rifles, two FN rifles and three RPG bombs. Troops seized large quantities of 7.62mm ammunition. Blood trails suggested more casualties.
Sadly, one officer died during the battle.
Gajiram Attack Crushed With Air Support
Meanwhile, at about 1:15 a.m. on March 1, terrorists attacked FOB Gajiram with PKT guns, RPGs and armed drones.
Troops responded swiftly with support from air assets. They forced the attackers to retreat in disarray.
Soldiers recovered three bodies along the withdrawal route. They also seized four AK-47 rifles, five anti-tank bombs and three locally made mortar bombs. In addition, troops captured one armed drone and six fully loaded 7.62mm NATO magazines.
Other items included barbed wire cutters, specialised ammunition and poisoned arrows.
A wounded soldier received evacuation by a Nigerian Army Aviation helicopter for advanced treatment.
Gajigana Position Secured
At Gajigana, troops maintained full control of their base throughout the assault.
The attackers failed to penetrate the defence lines. Consequently, soldiers sustained dominance over the area.
Offensive Operations in Sector II
In related operations under Sector II, troops engaged terrorists at Kayawa Village.
The insurgents fled and abandoned a tricycle, three motorcycles and five bicycles.
Earlier, soldiers destroyed identified ISWAP life-support structures. They also arrested two confessed ISWAP logistics suppliers.
Furthermore, troops recovered drugs and medical supplies used to treat wounded fighters.
During an ambush around Bulturam Corner and Dadingel in Gujba LGA, soldiers neutralised two terrorists. They recovered two AK-47 rifles, four magazines and a bicycle.
Military Reaffirms Control
Lt. Col. Uba stressed that all affected locations remain under firm military control.
He added that the scale of recoveries and confirmed enemy losses reflects the degrading combat strength of ISWAP elements.
Operation HADIN KAI continues to sustain pressure on terrorist enclaves, logistics routes and leadership structures across Borno State.
