By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai repelled coordinated attacks by suspected ISWAP fighters on FOB Mayanti, FOB Gajigana and FOB Gajiram in Borno State between February 28 and March 1, 2026, killing at least 10 insurgents, recovering weapons and retaining full control of all bases after intense overnight battles supported by air assets.
In a statement sent to News Point Nigeria, Lt Col Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, said the failed assaults show growing desperation among insurgents under sustained military pressure.
Troops Foil Attack on FOB Gajigana
Terrorists attempted to overrun FOB Gajigana but met stiff resistance.
However, troops countered the assault and neutralised two insurgents. They maintained complete control of the base.
Lt Col Uba said the attack reflects ISWAP’s declining combat strength. He added that sustained offensives continue to target terrorist enclaves, logistics routes and leadership structures.
“Operation Hadin Kai’s sustained offensive posture denies terrorists freedom of action,” he said. “They now retreat in disorder with heavy losses.”
Air Support Repels Assault on FOB Gajiram
At about 1:15 a.m. on March 1, terrorists armed with PKT guns, rocket-propelled grenades and armed drones attacked FOB Gajiram.
Nevertheless, troops repelled the assault with support from air assets.
Security forces recovered three terrorist 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 recovered one armed drone, six fully loaded 7.62mm NATO magazines, barbed wire cutters, specialised ammunition and poisoned arrows.
Meanwhile, a wounded soldier received immediate evacuation by a Nigerian Army Aviation helicopter for advanced medical care.
Fierce Battle at FOB Mayanti
FOB Mayanti came under heavy attack on February 28. A large number of terrorists launched the assault.
Despite intense enemy fire, troops held their ground. Reinforcements fought through ambushes and improvised explosive devices to dislodge the attackers.
Five terrorists died during the clash. Blood trails indicated more casualties as the insurgents fled.
During the encounter, troops recovered three PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns and two RPG-7 tubes. They also seized four AK-47 rifles, two FN rifles and three RPG bombs.
Large quantities of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered from the scene.
Sadly, an officer died during the fierce exchange.
Sector 2 Operations Disrupt ISWAP Logistics
In separate operations under Sector 2, troops engaged suspected terrorists at Kayawa Village.
Consequently, the suspects fled and abandoned a tricycle, three motorcycles and five bicycles.
Troops destroyed identified life-support structures. They also arrested two confessed ISWAP logistics suppliers.
Furthermore, soldiers recovered drugs and medical supplies used to treat wounded fighters.
Around Bulturam Corner and Dadingel in Gujba Local Government Area, troops neutralised two additional terrorists. They recovered two AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines and a bicycle.
Military Reaffirms Commitment to North East Security
The military confirmed that all attacked and cleared locations remain under firm control.
Operation Hadin Kai reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations. The task force pledged to dismantle remaining terrorist strongholds and ensure lasting security across the North East.
