By Our Reporter
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled multiple coordinated attacks by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on forward operating bases in parts of Borno State, killing several insurgents and recovering a cache of heavy weapons and ammunition.
In a statement issued on March 1, 2026, by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), the troops foiled assaults on Forward Operating Bases in Mayanti, Gajigana and Gajiram between late February 28 and the early hours of March 1.
According to the statement, the attack on Gajigana was successfully thwarted, with troops maintaining full control of the base. At Mayanti, however, insurgents launched a heavy assault on February 28 but were repelled after fierce fighting. Reinforcements reportedly navigated ambushes and improvised explosive device threats to support the defending troops.
Five insurgents were confirmed killed at Mayanti, while blood trails suggested additional casualties. Recovered items included 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. An officer was killed during the encounter.
In a separate attack at about 1:15 a.m. on March 1, insurgents armed with PKT guns, rocket-propelled grenades and armed drones attacked the Gajiram base but were repelled with the support of air assets. Three insurgents were killed during the encounter, and troops recovered four AK-47 rifles, five anti-tank bombs, three locally fabricated mortar bombs, one armed drone, six fully loaded 7.62mm NATO magazines and other items. A wounded soldier was airlifted by a Nigerian Army Aviation helicopter for advanced medical treatment.
The statement also disclosed that troops operating under Sector 2 carried out offensive actions at Kayawa Village, forcing insurgents to abandon a tricycle, three motorcycles and five bicycles. Troops destroyed identified logistics structures and arrested two suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers. Drugs and medical supplies allegedly used to treat wounded insurgents were also recovered.
In another operation around Bulturam Corner and Dadingel in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, troops reportedly killed two insurgents and recovered two AK-47 rifles, four magazines and a bicycle.
Military authorities said all affected locations remain under government control, adding that the recoveries and confirmed casualties indicate a continued degradation of ISWAP’s combat capacity in the North East.