By: Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have repelled coordinated attacks by suspected ISWAP fighters on Forward Operating Bases in Gajiram, Gajigana and Mayanti in Borno State, killing several terrorists and recovering heavy weapons and ammunition.
The attacks occurred between the late hours of February 28 and the early hours of March 1, 2026, across locations within Sector 2 of the theatre of operations.
According to the military, the assault on Gajigana was successfully thwarted, with troops maintaining full control of their position. At Mayanti and Gajiram, troops engaged the attackers in intense firefights, inflicting significant casualties and forcing them to retreat.
At Forward Operating Base Mayanti on February 28, troops came under heavy attack by a large number of insurgents.
Reinforcements reportedly fought through ambushes and improvised explosive device threats to support the base. After the encounter, five terrorist bodies were recovered alongside 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.
Bloodstains along withdrawal routes suggested additional casualties. An officer was, however, confirmed killed during the exchange.
In a similar incident at about 1:15 a.m. on March 1, terrorists armed with PKT guns, rocket-propelled grenades and an armed drone attacked the Gajiram base but were repelled with the support of air assets. Three bodies were recovered along with 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 other items. A wounded soldier was airlifted by a Nigerian Army Aviation helicopter for advanced medical treatment.
In separate offensive operations, troops engaged suspected terrorists at Kayawa Village, forcing them to flee and abandon a tricycle, three motorcycles and five bicycles. Security forces also destroyed identified logistics structures and arrested two suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers. Drugs and medical supplies allegedly used to treat wounded fighters were recovered.
Additionally, troops conducting an ambush around Bulturam Corner and Dadingel in Gujba Local Government Area neutralised two suspected terrorists and recovered two AK-47 rifles, four magazines and a bicycle.
The military said all affected locations remain under full control of troops, adding that the recoveries and confirmed enemy losses reflect the continued degradation of ISWAP’s combat capability.
The statement was signed by SANI UBA, Lieutenant Colonel and Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, and dated March 1, 2026.
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