Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have successfully repelled a coordinated night attack by ISWAP terrorists on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State, killing several insurgents and recovering weapons.
The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement issued in Maiduguri on Thursday.
According to the statement, the terrorists launched the attack at about 11:25 p.m. on July 1, 2026, targeting troops of CIB XIX stationed at the base.
The troops responded with what the military described as exceptional gallantry, engaging the terrorists in a fierce gun battle that forced the attackers to retreat in disarray after suffering heavy casualties.
Items recovered from the scene included AK-47 rifles, magazines loaded with ammunition, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes and other combat equipment. Surveillance footage also confirmed that the fleeing terrorists evacuated several of their dead and wounded from the battlefield.
Captain Goni noted that the attack appeared to be a desperate attempt by the insurgents to disrupt the recent resettlement of the Mairari community, where more than 950 households had returned under ongoing stabilisation efforts.
“The terrorists sought to instill fear among the returning residents and derail the resettlement process. However, their objective was defeated, as no civilian casualties were recorded during the attack,” the statement said.
Despite the successful defence of the base, the military disclosed that two soldiers and one member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed in action during the intense exchange of fire. A few military equipment were also damaged by Rocket Propelled Grenade fire.
The Theatre Command paid tribute to the fallen personnel, describing them as heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation, while extending condolences to their families and loved ones.
In a related development, a reinforcement team deployed from Monguno detected and safely detonated two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted along the route before engaging the fleeing terrorists, an action that further disrupted the insurgents’ withdrawal and inflicted additional casualties on them.
The military said the successful repulsion of the attack highlights the operational readiness, resilience and combat effectiveness of troops of Operation HADIN KAI, stressing that despite the terrorists’ determined assault, the troops maintained full control of the base and continue to dominate the operational environment through sustained offensive operations.
The Theatre Command commended the courage, resilience and fighting spirit of the troops, reaffirming that Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in its mission to defeat terrorism and restore lasting peace, security and stability across Nigeria’s North-East.
