By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Operation HADIN KAI have crushed coordinated attacks by ISWAP fighters on Forward Operating Bases in Gajiram, Gajigana and Mayanti, killing several terrorists, recovering heavy weapons and reinforcing their dominance across Sector 2 of the North-East theatre.
The Joint Task Force (North East) said the failed assaults, launched between the late hours of February 28 and the early hours of March 1, 2026, reflect mounting pressure on terrorist enclaves, logistics corridors and leadership structures under sustained military offensives.
In an official signed statement, the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed that while the attack on Gajigana was successfully repelled with troops maintaining full control of their position, the encounters at Mayanti and Gajiram led to significant terrorist casualties and the recovery of substantial combat equipment.
At about 11:00 p.m. on February 28, terrorists launched a heavy assault on the Forward Operating Base in Mayanti. Despite intense enemy fire, troops held their ground as reinforcements advanced through ambush points and improvised explosive device (IED) threats to rout the attackers.
Subsequent exploitation of the area confirmed five terrorist corpses and the recovery of 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. Blood trails at the scene indicated additional enemy casualties. Tragically, an officer paid the supreme price during the engagement.
Barely two hours later, at about 1:15 a.m. on March 1, terrorists armed with PKT guns, RPGs and armed drones attacked the Forward Operating Base in Gajiram. The assault was met with stiff resistance from determined troops, backed by air support.
Three terrorist bodies were recovered along the withdrawal route, alongside four AK-47 rifles, five anti-tank bombs, three locally fabricated mortar bombs, one armed drone, six fully loaded 7.62mm NATO magazines, barbed wire cutters, specialised ammunition and poisoned arrows abandoned in flight. One wounded soldier was promptly airlifted by a Nigerian Army Aviation helicopter for advanced medical care.
In related offensive operations across Sector 2, troops engaged fleeing terrorists at Kayawa Village, forcing them to abandon a tricycle, three motorcycles and five bicycles. Identified life-support structures were destroyed, while two confessed ISWAP logistics suppliers were arrested. Drugs and medical consumables intended for treating wounded fighters were also recovered.
Further successes were recorded during an ambush around Bulturam Corner and Dadingel in Gujba Local Government Area, where troops neutralised two terrorists and recovered two AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines, a bicycle and other sundry items.
Military authorities confirmed that all locations remain firmly under the control of troops, noting that the scale of weapons recovered and confirmed enemy losses underscores the steadily degrading combat capacity of ISWAP elements under relentless operational pressure.
