Army Foils Multiple ISWAP Attacks in Borno, 11 Terrorists Killed, Major Martyred
In a significant counter-terrorism operation, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have decisively foiled multiple coordinated attacks by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Borno State. The military action resulted in the neutralization of 11 terrorists, but also saw the tragic loss of an Army Major and injuries to another soldier.
Coordinated Assaults Thwarted Across Three Locations
According to a statement released on Sunday, 1 March 2026, by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, the terrorist attacks targeted FOBs Mayanti, Gajigana, and Gajiram between the late hours of 28 February and the early morning of 1 March. The statement emphasized that the failed assaults highlight the growing desperation of terrorist elements under sustained military pressure.
The encounters unfolded as follows:
- FOB Mayanti Attack: On 28 February 2026, a large number of terrorists launched a heavy assault. Gallant troops held their ground despite intense fire, with reinforcements overcoming ambushes and IED threats to rout the attackers. Exploitation confirmed five terrorist corpses and the recovery of substantial combat equipment, including three PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, two RPG-7 tubes, four AK-47 rifles, two FN rifles, three RPG bombs, and large quantities of 7.62mm ammunition. Blood trails indicated additional casualties. Tragically, an officer, Major Umaru Ibrahim Mairiga, paid the supreme price during this engagement.
- FOB Gajiram Attack: At approximately 0115 hours on 1 March 2026, terrorists armed with PKT guns, RPGs, and armed drones attacked but were repelled by determined troops supported by air assets. Three terrorist bodies were recovered along the withdrawal route, alongside 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, specialized ammunition, poisoned arrows, and other abandoned items. One wounded soldier was airlifted by a Nigerian Army Aviation helicopter for advanced medical care.
- FOB Gajigana Attack: This assault was successfully thwarted, with troops maintaining full control of their position and neutralizing two terrorists. The recovery of equipment further demonstrated the effectiveness of the defensive operations.
Additional Offensive Actions and Recoveries
In related offensive actions under Sector 2, troops engaged terrorists at Kayawa Village, forcing them to flee and abandon a tricycle, three motorcycles, and five bicycles. Military forces destroyed identified life-support structures and arrested two confessed ISWAP logistics suppliers, recovering drugs and medical consumables used for treating wounded terrorists.
Additionally, during an ambush around Bulturam Corner and Dadingel in Gujba Local Government Area, troops neutralized two terrorists and recovered two AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines, a bicycle, and other sundry items. The statement confirmed that all locations remain firmly under military control, with the scale of recoveries and confirmed enemy losses underscoring the degrading combat capacity of ISWAP elements.
The sustained offensive posture of Operation HADIN KAI continues to deny terrorists freedom of action, forcing them into disorderly retreats with heavy losses. This operation marks another critical blow against terrorist activities in the region, reinforcing the military's commitment to restoring peace and security in Northeast Nigeria.
