Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have foiled separate terrorist attacks on Forward Operating Bases in Borno State, inflicting casualties on the attackers and recovering weapons and other military equipment.
The attacks targeted Forward Operating Base Gajiram in Nganzai Local Government Area and FOB Mairari in Guzamala LGA.
The military operation also resulted in the surrender of two Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, JAS, terrorists, including a Qaid, or commander, who handed over weapons and ammunition to troops.
On September 17, 2026, terrorists advancing towards FOB Gajiram were detected early by troops, with support from the Multinational Joint Task Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets.
The troops immediately adopted defensive measures while the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided close air support.
Faced with the coordinated ground and air response, the terrorists withdrew from the vicinity of the base into adjoining areas.
In a related incident later that night, several Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, terrorists attacked FOB Mairari but met stiff resistance from troops supported by close air support from the Air Component.
The attack was successfully contained, with the military inflicting casualties on the terrorists and maintaining the integrity of the base.
A subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of four terrorists’ corpses, AK-47 rifles, magazines, quantities of ammunition, RPG bombs and a camcorder, among other items.
Some troops sustained injuries during the engagement and were promptly stabilised before being airlifted to hospital for further medical attention.
Following the attacks, the Commander, Sector 3, Operation HADIN KAI, conducted a post-engagement assessment of the affected locations to evaluate the situation, commend the troops and coordinate follow-on operations.
The locations were subsequently reinforced to consolidate the gains and strengthen their defensive posture, while troops continued to search adjoining areas to prevent the terrorists from regrouping.
In a related development, sustained military pressure across the Joint Operations Area resulted in the surrender of two JAS terrorists, including a Qaid, to troops of Sector 1, Operation HADIN KAI.
The terrorists surrendered along the Main Supply Route, MSR, Miyanti-Darel Jamel axis in Bama Local Government Area on the night of September 16, 2026.
They surrendered with three AK-47 rifles, five magazines, a motorcycle and a cache of ammunition.
The two suspects are currently in military custody and undergoing preliminary investigation and profiling in accordance with established procedures.
The military said the successful defence of the two locations, recovery of weapons and continued surrender of terrorist elements demonstrated the sustained operational pressure being exerted across the theatre.
It added that the developments also highlighted the effectiveness of coordinated ground and air operations in restricting the terrorists’ freedom of action and maintaining operational momentum across the Joint Operations Area.
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, commended the troops, MNJTF ISR team and aircrew for their vigilance, courage and coordination during the operations.
“OPHK will sustain operational pressure against terrorist elements and protect communities across the North East,” Ajose said.
He also urged terrorists still operating in the bush to lay down their arms and surrender through established channels.
The Theatre Commander further called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces to support ongoing operations across the region.
