Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled coordinated attacks by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on several Forward Operating Bases in Borno State, killing scores of insurgents and recovering heavy weapons.
The attacks, which targeted Forward Operating Bases in Mayanti, Gajigana and Gajiram, were launched between the late hours of February 28 and the early hours of March 1, 2026 as early reported by SpyeTV News. However, the military said the terrorists were decisively crushed following fierce resistance by troops and timely reinforcements.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Media Information Officer, Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said the failed assaults highlight the desperation of the insurgents following sustained pressure on their hideouts, logistics routes and leadership structures.
According to him, troops at FOB Mayanti came under heavy attack at about 11pm on February 28 by a large number of terrorists but held their ground despite intense enemy fire.
He explained that reinforcement teams advanced through ambushes and Improvised Explosive Device threats to engage the attackers, forcing them to retreat with heavy casualties.
Subsequent exploitation of the battlefield led to the recovery of three PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, two RPG-7 launchers, four AK-47 rifles, two FN rifles, three RPG bombs and large quantities of 7.62mm ammunition. Five terrorist bodies were also recovered, while blood trails indicated additional casualties.
The military, however, confirmed the loss of a gallant officer during the encounter.
In related operations, troops under Sector 2 engaged terrorists at Kayawa village, forcing them to abandon a tricycle, three motorcycles and five bicycles.
The troops also destroyed identified terrorist life-support structures, arrested two suspected logistics suppliers and recovered drugs and medical items used in treating wounded insurgents.
Similarly, troops carried out an ambush at Bulturam Corner and Dadingel in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, where two terrorists were neutralised and two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, a bicycle and other items were recovered.
The military assured that all the affected locations remain under control, adding that the successful operations further degrade the combat capacity of ISWAP elements and deny them freedom of movement across the North-East.
Operation Hadin Kai reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations until terrorism and insurgency are completely eradicated from the region.
