In intense overnight fighting, troops of Operation HADIN KAI defeated ISWAP terrorists’ coordinated strikes on important military posts in Borno State, killing a number of rebels and seizing heavy weapons and ammunition.
Between the late hours of February 28 and the early hours of March 1, 2026, the Joint Task Force (North East) soldiers repelled attacks on Forward Operating Bases at Mayanti, Gajigana, and Gajiram as part of Operation HADIN KAI.
While soldiers 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 equipment was recovered.
On February 28, Mayanti was the target of a massive terrorist strike. While reinforcements battled through ambushes and threats of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to drive out the invaders, brave soldiers remained steadfast in the face of heavy enemy fire.
Five terrorist bodies were found by the army following the gunfight, along with a cache of weaponry that included three PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, two RPG-7 tubes, four AK-47 rifles, two FN rifles, three RPG explosives, and a significant amount of 7.62mm ammo. More terrorists may have fled with gunshot wounds, according to bloodstains along the escape routes.
Nonetheless, the military affirmed that an officer gave his life in the conflict.
The Forward Operating Base in Gajiram was overrun by terrorists armed with PKT rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, and armed drones just hours later on March 1 at around 1:15 a.m. Determined soldiers, backed by air support, put up a fierce fight against the assault.
Three bodies were left behind by the terrorists as they fled in a disorganized manner. Additionally, troops found six fully filled 7.62mm NATO magazines, four AK-47 rifles, five anti-tank bombs, three locally manufactured mortar bombs, one armed drone, barbed wire cutters, specialized ammo, and poisoned arrows that had been left in flight.
A Nigerian Army Aviation chopper promptly transported one injured soldier for more specialized medical care.
At Kayawa Village, forces confronted terrorists who were escaping during associated offensive operations under Sector 2. Three motorcycles, five bicycles, and a tricycle were left behind by the rebels as they ran.
Additionally, troops detained two confessed ISWAP logistical providers and destroyed known life-support facilities used by the terrorists. Additionally found were medications and medical supplies intended to treat injured rebels.
Similar to this, troops neutralized two terrorists during an ambush operation near 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.
“A significant number of terrorists attacked FOB Mayanti on February 28, 2026. While reinforcements battled through ambush and IED threats to defeat the invaders, valiant troops remained steadfast in the face of heavy enemy fire. Five terrorist bodies were confirmed to have been used, and three PKT automatic anti-aircraft weapons, two RPG-7 tubes, four AK-47 rifles, two FN rifles, three RPG bombs, and a significant amount of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered. Blood trails suggested that there may have been more victims.
Similar to this, on March 1, 2026, at around 01:15, terrorists armed with PKT rifles, RPGs, and armed drones attacked FOB Gajiram. However, resolute forces backed by air assets defeated them. Along the withdrawal route, three terrorist bodies, four AK-47 rifles, five anti-tank bombs, three locally manufactured mortar bombs, one armed drone, six fully loaded 7.62mm NATO magazines, barbed wire cutters, specialized ammo, and poisoned arrows left behind in flight were all found.
“Terrorists were forced to flee and abandon a tricycle, three motorcycles, and five bicycles during related offensive actions under Sector 2 at Kayawa Village.” Additionally, troops recovered medications and medical supplies used to treat injured terrorists, detained two confessed ISWAP logistical providers, and demolished identified life-support systems. Additionally, troops neutralized two terrorists during an ambush near Bulturam Corner and Dadingel in Gujba LGA and found two AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines, and other stuff. Every place is still completely under personal control.
He reiterated that soldiers will continue their offensive operations until all terrorist elements in the North-East theater were eliminated.
On Monday, two terrorists were killed and an automatic rifle was found in Benue by troops of Sector 1 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS).
This was verified in a Makurdi announcement by Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, the OPWS Headquarters Makurdi’s acting Media Information Officer.
According to Zubairu, the soldiers accomplished the feat while conducting a combined combat and confidence-boosting patrol along the Katsina-Ala–Zaki Biam Road.
According to the media and information officer, they quickly mobilized to the scene in coordination with Benue State Civil Protection Guard personnel, acting on reliable information provided by the people.
“Troops made touch with the suspected bandits upon reaching the designated site.
Two of the terrorists were neutralized during the ensuing battle, while the rest ran into the nearby jungle, possibly suffering gunshot wounds.
“One AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and two green camouflage uniforms abandoned by the fleeing criminals were recovered by the troops after they exploited the area,” he stated.
The OPWS Commander, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, was cited by Zubairu as praising the troops’ bravery, professionalism, and prompt response.
In the battle against terrorism and banditry, Gara stated, their proactive approach and dedication to duty continue to produce favorable outcomes.
The commander thanked the locals for their timely and useful intelligence, which was still essential to the operation’s success.
He reassured the locals of the military’s steadfast commitment to protecting people and property and urged them to continue cooperating with security services.
