Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), under Operation Hadin Kai, successfully repelled a series of coordinated attacks by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on military bases in Borno State between February 28 and March 1, 2026, killing 10 militants and losing one army officer in the clashes.
According to a statement from Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, the assaults targeted Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Mayanti, Gajigana, and Gajiram. The military confirmed that all bases remained under government control following the engagements.
“Troops demonstrated resilience and battlefield dominance by decisively foiling coordinated ISWAP attacks while intensifying offensive operations across Sector 2,” the statement read.
The attack on FOB Mayanti involved heavy enemy fire, but reinforcements fought through ambushes and improvised explosive devices, resulting in five terrorist fatalities and the recovery of substantial weapons, including three PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, two RPG-7 launchers, four AK-47 rifles, and three RPG bombs. Tragically, an army officer was killed in the encounter.
In the early hours of March 1, Gajiram came under assault from militants equipped with PKT guns, RPGs, and armed drones. Troops, supported by air assets, successfully repelled the attackers, killing three and recovering weapons, drones, ammunition, and other supplies. At Gajigana, a separate attack was thwarted, with soldiers maintaining full control of the base.
Beyond the frontline bases, the military conducted complementary operations in Sector 2, targeting terrorist hideouts at Kayawa Village and other locations. Militants abandoned vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and life-support materials, while two ISWAP logistics suppliers were arrested, and drugs and medical consumables intended for treating fighters were seized.
“These operations demonstrate the declining operational capacity of ISWAP elements as sustained military pressure continues to disrupt their leadership, logistics, and freedom of action,” Lt. Col. Uba said.
The Nigerian Army emphasized that all positions remain under government control, with ongoing efforts to secure communities and degrade militant capabilities across the northeastern region.
This series of successful operations underscores the Nigerian military’s continued commitment to counterterrorism efforts amid ongoing threats from insurgent groups in the northeast.
