Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have foiled an attempt by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists to overrun a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Gajiram, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State.
The terrorists launched the attack at about 12:20 a.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, deploying a large number of fighters in an attempt to overwhelm the troops and take control of the military position.
According to an official statement signed by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, the troops mounted a strong response, unleashing effective firepower that forced the terrorists to withdraw after suffering heavy casualties.
Several of the terrorists were neutralised during the fierce engagement, while troops recovered weapons, ammunition and communication gadgets from the attackers.
The statement said surveillance footage reviewed after the operation also confirmed several casualties being evacuated by the retreating terrorists, adding that the recovered items and footage were undergoing further operational assessment.
The attack, however, resulted in injuries to a few troops after part of the base’s defences was temporarily breached. Some combat enablers and military vehicles were also damaged by Rocket Propelled Grenade fires.
The injured personnel were promptly airlifted and are currently stable and receiving medical attention, the statement said.
Following the attack, troops remained deployed in and around the FOB and adjoining areas to dominate the general area, monitor terrorist movements and forestall any further attempt to re-engage the military position.
The Theatre Command urged residents of Gajiram and neighbouring communities to remain calm and continue their lawful activities, while encouraging members of the public to report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security agencies.
The Command also provided 07084988859 as a contact line for intelligence sharing in support of ongoing military operations.
It assured residents of the North East that troops would continue to maintain high vigilance and sustain pressure on ISWAP terrorists until lasting peace and stability are restored in the region.
