By Nkechi Eze
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have foiled coordinated terrorist attacks on Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) at Gajiram in Nganzai Local Government Area and Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.
The operations, conducted on September 17, 2026, also resulted in the recovery of weapons and other military equipment, while sustained pressure by the troops led to the surrender of two Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists, including a Qaid (commander).
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, terrorists advancing towards FOB Gajiram were detected early by troops, with support from Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets.
The troops immediately adopted defensive measures while the Air Component of OPHK provided close air support, forcing the terrorists to withdraw from the vicinity into adjoining areas.
In a separate attack later that night, ISWAP terrorists attempted to overrun FOB Mairari but met stiff resistance from troops backed by close air support from the Air Component.
The coordinated response contained the attack and inflicted casualties on the terrorists, while troops maintained the integrity of the military base.
Subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of four terrorists’ corpses, AK-47 rifles, magazines, 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 OPHK, conducted a post-engagement assessment of the affected locations and coordinated follow-on operations. The FOBs were subsequently reinforced to consolidate the gains and strengthen their defensive posture, while troops continued exploitation of the surrounding areas to prevent terrorist elements from regrouping.
Meanwhile, two JAS terrorists, including a Qaid, surrendered to troops of Sector 1 OPHK along the Miyanti-Darel Jamel Main Supply Route in Bama Local Government Area on the night of September 16.
The terrorists surrendered with three AK-47 rifles, five magazines, a motorcycle and a cache of ammunition. They are currently in military custody undergoing preliminary investigation and profiling in line with established procedures.
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 effective coordination.
Ajose reaffirmed OPHK’s determination to sustain operational pressure against terrorist elements and protect communities across the North East, while urging terrorists still in the bush to lay down their arms and surrender through established channels.
He also called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces.
