Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled coordinated attacks by suspected ISWAP fighters on three Forward Operating Bases in Borno State. Several weapons, including an armed drone, were recovered, while one officer was killed during the clashes.
The military said the attacks targeted Forward Operating Bases in Mayanti, Gajigana and Gajiram between late February 28 and the early hours of March 1, 2026. The operations were conducted under Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said the assaults were launched amid intensified pressure on terrorist enclaves and logistics routes in the region.
At about 11:00 p.m. on February 28, fighters attacked the base at Mayanti in large numbers. Troops held their position despite heavy gunfire, while reinforcements advanced through ambush points and improvised explosive device threats to dislodge the attackers.
Five suspected terrorists were confirmed dead at the scene. Recovered items included three PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, two RPG-7 launchers, four AK-47 rifles, two FN rifles, three RPG bombs and significant quantities of 7.62mm ammunition. One military officer was killed during the encounter.
At approximately 1:15 a.m. on March 1, another group of fighters attacked the base in Gajiram using PKT guns, rocket-propelled grenades and armed drones. Troops, supported by air assets, repelled the assault.
Three bodies were recovered along the withdrawal route. Seized items included 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 equipment. A wounded soldier was evacuated by a Nigerian Army Aviation helicopter for advanced treatment.
The military also reported that troops neutralised two fighters during an ambush around Bulturam Corner and Dadingel in Gujba Local Government Area. Two AK-47 rifles and four magazines were recovered at the location.
The military authorities said all affected bases remain under full control, adding that the scale of recoveries and confirmed casualties reflects continued pressure on ISWAP elements operating in the North-East.
