Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have foiled separate terrorist attacks on Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Borno State, inflicting casualties on Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and recovering weapons and ammunition.
The military also announced the surrender of two Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists, including a Qaid, with three AK-47 rifles and other items.
On September 17, 2026, troops at FOB Gajiram in Nganzai Local Government Area detected terrorists advancing towards the base with support from Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets.
The troops swiftly adopted defensive measures while the Air Component of OPHK provided close air support, forcing the terrorists to withdraw from the area into adjoining locations.
Later that night, ISWAP fighters launched an attack on FOB Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area but encountered stiff resistance from the troops, backed by sustained air support.
The coordinated response contained the attack and inflicted casualties on the terrorists. A subsequent military sweep recovered four terrorists’ bodies, AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition, RPG bombs and a camcorder, among other items.
Some troops sustained injuries during the engagement and were stabilised before being airlifted to hospital for further medical attention.
Following the engagements, the Commander, Sector 3 OPHK, conducted an assessment of the affected locations, commended the troops and coordinated follow-up operations.
The affected positions were subsequently reinforced to strengthen their defensive posture, while troops continued operations in the surrounding areas to prevent the terrorists from regrouping.
In a separate development, sustained military pressure along the Joint Operations Area resulted in the surrender of two JAS terrorists, including a Qaid, to troops of Sector 1 OPHK along the Miyanti–Darel Jamel axis of the Main Supply Route in Bama Local Government Area on September 16.
The terrorists surrendered with three AK-47 rifles, five magazines, a motorcycle and a quantity of ammunition. They are currently in military custody undergoing preliminary investigation and profiling.
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, commended the troops, MNJTF ISR personnel and aircrew for their vigilance, courage and effective coordination.
Ajose reaffirmed the military’s determination to sustain pressure on terrorist groups and protect communities across the North-East, while urging terrorists still operating in the bush to surrender through established channels.
He also called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
