Boko Haram Attack in Borno Claims Army Commander, Major, and Three Soldiers
Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have carried out a deadly late-night assault on a military formation in Mayanti, Bama Local Government Area of Borno state, resulting in the tragic loss of a Forward Operations Base commander, a Major, three soldiers, and a local hunter. The attack, which occurred on Sunday night, has been confirmed by security sources as a coordinated assault that led to significant casualties.
Gallant Resistance and Fatalities
The slain commander has been identified as Major IU Mairiga, who reportedly resisted the attackers with bravery before being overwhelmed. According to sources, Major Mairiga fought gallantly despite being outnumbered, neutralizing many insurgents in the process. "The unit commander gave the terrorists a good fight, but he was overwhelmed after some soldiers fled. He died a brave soldier and neutralised many of them before he was overpowered," a source stated, highlighting the commander's valiant efforts.
Major Mairiga had been deployed to the forward base less than four months ago following a special promotion, underscoring the recent nature of his assignment. The attack also resulted in injuries to three civilians involved in reconstruction work in the community, with military vehicles and equipment at the base set ablaze by the assailants before their retreat.
Military Response and Recovery Operations
In the aftermath, reinforcements arrived at the scene, where troops recovered a cache of heavy weapons, including Rocket-Propelled Grenades, anti-aircraft weapons, and PKT machine guns. Several insurgents were found dead around the base, indicating fierce combat. Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, confirmed that one officer was killed in action during the confrontations, with several insurgents neutralized and weapons seized.
Operation HADIN KAI troops have sustained offensive operations across Sector II, successfully dismantling terrorist logistics facilities. They arrested two Islamic State West Africa Province logistics suppliers and seized arms, ammunition, and medical materials. Uba emphasized that the affected communities remain under firm military control, noting that the volume of recovered equipment suggests a weakening operational capacity among the insurgents.
Broader Counter-Offensive Efforts
Troops under the Joint Task Force repelled attempted attacks on Mayanti, Gajigana, and Gajiram between February 28 and March 1, 2026, demonstrating ongoing efforts to secure the region. This incident follows a previous report where a raid by ISWAP fighters left eight Nigerian soldiers dead and 23 injured at a military base in Cross Kauwa village, Borno state, on February 16, 2026, highlighting persistent security challenges in the area.
The Nigerian Army continues to face significant threats from insurgent groups in the Northeast, with Operation HADIN KAI playing a crucial role in counter-terrorism operations. The loss of Major Mairiga and other personnel underscores the sacrifices made by military forces in the fight against terrorism, as they work to restore peace and stability in Borno state and surrounding regions.
