By Ahmed Liman Kingimi, Maiduguri
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, repelled a night attack by ISWAP terrorists on Forward Operating Base Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area, the military said on Tuesday.
According to a statement signed by Capt. Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, the attack occurred at about 11:25 p.m. on July 1, 2026, when terrorists targeted troops of CIB XIX at FOB Mairari.
“The troops responded with exceptional gallantry, engaging the attackers in a fierce firefight and forcing them to withdraw in confusion after inflicting heavy casualties,” the statement said.
Items recovered from the scene included AK-47 rifles, loaded magazines, and Rocket Propelled Gun tubes. Surveillance footage also showed terrorists evacuating several dead and wounded fighters from the area, the military added.
Mairari was only recently resettled, with more than 950 households returning to the community. The military said the assault appeared aimed at sowing fear and disrupting the resettlement process.
“No civilian casualties were recorded in the community during the attack,” Capt. Goni stated.
The Theatre Command confirmed that two soldiers and one member of the Civilian Joint Task Force were killed in the encounter. “Few equipment were damaged by Rocket Propelled Gun fire during the encounter,” the statement said.
“The Theatre Command mourns these gallant heroes and extends its heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones,” it added.
In a related development, a reinforcement team moving in from Monguno detected and safely detonated two Improvised Explosive Devices planted along the route. The team then engaged fleeing terrorists, inflicting additional casualties and disrupting their withdrawal, according to the military.
The army said the successful defence of the base “underscores the high level of operational readiness, resilience, and combat effectiveness of troops of Operation HADIN KAI.” Troops maintained control of FOB Mairari and continue to dominate the area through sustained offensive operations.
“The Theatre Command commends the courage, resilience, and fighting spirit of the troops for successfully defeating the terrorists and denying them any operational success,” Capt. Goni said.
Operation HADIN KAI reiterated its commitment to defeating terrorism and restoring lasting peace, security, and stability across the North East.
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