Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have repelled coordinated attacks by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on Forward Operating Bases in Gajiram, Gajigana and Mayanti, killing several insurgents and recovering a cache of heavy weapons and ammunition.
The military said the failed assaults, launched between the late hours of February 28 and the early hours of March 1, 2026, were part of renewed attempts by terrorists to breach defensive positions in Sector 2 of the theatre. The attacks were successfully thwarted, with troops maintaining control of all locations.
At Forward Operating Base Mayanti on February 28, a large number of insurgents reportedly launched a heavy assault. Reinforcements navigated ambushes and improvised explosive device (IED) threats to support troops holding the base. Five insurgents were confirmed killed, while weapons recovered included three PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, two RPG-7 launchers, four AK-47 rifles, two FN rifles, three RPG bombs and large quantities of 7.62mm ammunition. Blood trails at the scene suggested additional casualties among the attackers. An officer was killed during the engagement.
In a separate incident at about 1:15 a.m. on March 1, insurgents attacked Forward Operating Base Gajiram using PKT guns, rocket-propelled grenades and armed drones. The troops, supported by air assets, repelled the assault. Three insurgent bodies were recovered along their withdrawal route, along with four AK-47 rifles, five anti-tank bombs, three locally fabricated mortar bombs, an armed drone, six fully loaded 7.62mm NATO magazines, barbed wire cutters and other items. A wounded soldier was evacuated by a Nigerian Army Aviation helicopter for advanced medical care.
The military also reported offensive operations in Kayawa Village, where troops engaged fleeing insurgents who abandoned a tricycle, three motorcycles and five bicycles. Identified terrorist life-support structures were destroyed, while two suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers were arrested. Drugs and medical supplies believed to be used in treating wounded fighters were also recovered.
Additionally, troops conducting an ambush operation around Bulturam Corner and Dadingel in Gujba Local Government Area neutralised two insurgents and recovered two AK-47 rifles, four magazines and a bicycle.
Military authorities said all affected locations remain under firm control, adding that the recoveries and confirmed casualties reflect continued degradation of ISWAP’s operational capacity under sustained pressure from troops.
