In intense overnight engagements, troops of Operation HADIN KAI defeated coordinated attacks by ISWAP terrorists on strategic military locations in Borno State, killing many rebels and recovering heavy weapons and ammunition.
Between late February 28 and early March 1, 2026, the Joint Task Force (North East) forces repelled attacks on Forward Operating Bases at Mayanti, Gajigana, and Gajiram as part of Operation HADIN KAI.
While the military at Gajigana were able to hold their ground and keep complete control of the base, the insurgents suffered significant fatalities in battles at Mayanti and Gajiram, and significant combat gear was captured.
On February 28, a significant group of terrorists attacked the base in Mayanti. But brave soldiers held their ground in the face of heavy enemy fire, while reinforcements battled to drive the invaders away with ambushes and threats of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Five terrorist bodies and a stockpile of weaponry, including three PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, two RPG-7 tubes, four AK-47 rifles, two FN rifles, three RPG explosives, and copious amounts of 7.62mm ammo, were found by the army following the gunfight. More terrorists may have fled with gunshot wounds, according to bloodstains found along the escape routes.
However, the military affirmed that during the engagement, an officer paid the ultimate price.
Terrorists equipped with PKT rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, and armed drones raided the Forward Operating Base in Gajiram few hours later, at around 1:15 a.m. on March 1. Determined forces, assisted by air power, put up a fierce fight against the assault.
Three bodies were left behind when the terrorists were compelled to make a disorderly getaway. In addition, troops found six fully loaded 7.62mm NATO magazines, four AK-47 rifles, five anti-tank bombs, three locally made mortar bombs, one armed drone, barbed wire cutters, specialized ammo, and poisoned arrows that had been left in the air.
A Nigerian Army Aviation aircraft promptly evacuated a wounded soldier for expert medical care.
At Kayawa Village, forces battled terrorists who were fleeing in concurrent offensive operations under Sector 2. As they ran away, the rebels left five bicycles, three motorcycles, and a tricycle behind.
Additionally, troops detained two confessed ISWAP logistical providers and destroyed known life-support facilities utilized by the terrorists. Additionally, medications and medical supplies intended to treat injured rebels were found.
In a same vein, troops neutralized two terrorists during an ambush operation at Bulturam Corner and Dadingel in Gujba Local Government Area. They also found a bicycle, four AK-47 magazines, and two AK-47 weapons.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, confirmed the development by saying:
“FOB Mayanti was heavily attacked by numerous terrorists on February 28, 2026. As reinforcements battled through ambush and IED threats to defeat the assailants, valiant soldiers held steady in the face of heavy enemy fire. Five terrorist bodies were confirmed to have been exploited, together with three PKT automatic anti-aircraft weapons, two RPG-7 tubes, four AK-47 rifles, two FN rifles, three RPG explosives, and a significant amount of 7.62mm ammunition. Blood trails also suggested that there were more victims.
Similar to this, terrorists armed with PKT rifles, RPGs, and armed drones attacked FOB Gajiram at approximately 01:15 on March 1, 2026, but were driven back by resolute troops backed by air assistance. Along the evacuation route, three terrorist bodies, four AK-47 rifles, five anti-tank explosives, three locally made mortar bombs, one armed drone, six fully loaded 7.62mm NATO magazines, barbed wire cutters, specialized ammo, and poisoned arrows that had been left in the air were all found.
“Terrorists were forced to flee and abandon a tricycle, three motorbikes, and five bicycles during associated offensive operations under Sector 2 at Kayawa Village. Additionally, troops detained two confessed ISWAP logistical providers, demolished identified life-support infrastructure, and found medications and medical supplies needed to treat injured terrorists. Additionally, troops neutralized two terrorists and found two AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines, and other materials during an ambush near Bulturam Corner and Dadingel in Gujba LGA. Every location is still firmly within one’s control.
He reiterated that until terrorist elements in the Northeast theater are totally destroyed, troops will continue their offensive operations.
On Monday, two terrorists were killed in Benue by soldiers from Sector 1 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), and an automatic rifle was found.
In a statement in Makurdi, Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, the acting Media Information Officer of OPWS Headquarters Makurdi, verified this.
According to Zubairu, the soldiers accomplished the accomplishment during a patrol along the Katsina-Ala–Zaki Biam Road that included fighting and confidence-building.
According to the media and information officer, they quickly mobilized to the location in coordination with Benue State Civil Protection Guard officers after receiving reliable information from the people.
“Troops made touch with the suspected bandits upon arriving at the designated site.
Two of the terrorists were neutralized during the ensuing confrontation, while others may have been shot and fled into the nearby jungle.
“One AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a pair of green camouflage uniforms abandoned by the fleeing criminals were recovered by the troops after they exploited the area,” he said.
According to Zubairu, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, the Commander of OPWS, praised the troops’ bravery, professionalism, and quick reaction.
According to Gara, their proactive approach and dedication to duty continue to produce favorable outcomes in the battle against banditry and terrorism.
The commander thanked local residents for their timely and useful intelligence, which continued to be essential to the success of the operation.
He reassured locals of the military’s steadfast commitment to protecting lives and property and urged them to continue cooperating with security services.
