Troops repel attacks on Borno military bases, kill 10, recover weapons

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, have repelled coordinated attacks by suspected Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on three Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Borno State, killing at least 10 insurgents and recovering a cache of weapons.

The attacks targeted FOBs in Mayanti, Gajigana and Gajiram between the late hours of February 28 and the early hours of March 1, 2026.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, said troops successfully foiled the assaults and retained full control of all positions.

According to the military, FOB Mayanti came under heavy attack on February 28 by a large number of terrorists.

Troops reportedly held their ground despite intense gunfire, while reinforcements navigated ambushes and improvised explosive device (IED) threats to dislodge the attackers.

Five insurgents were confirmed killed during the encounter.

However, the military disclosed that one officer “paid the supreme price” in the line of duty.

“Recovered from the scene were 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 casualties among the fleeing fighters”, the statement said.

It also reported that at about 1:15 a.m. on March 1, terrorists armed with PKT guns, RPGs and armed drones attacked FOB Gajiram.

The statement also said the assault was repelled by troops with close air support from Nigerian military air assets.

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“Three bodies of insurgents were recovered along their withdrawal route. Items recovered included 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.

“One wounded soldier was airlifted by a Nigerian Army Aviation helicopter for advanced medical treatment”, it added.

The military also confirmed that the attempted attack on FOB Gajigana was thwarted, with troops maintaining control of the base. Two terrorists were reportedly killed during the engagement.

Uba described the failed assaults as evidence of mounting pressure on ISWAP’s enclaves, logistics corridors and leadership structures.

The military further reported that troops under Sector 2 intensified offensive operations across parts of Yobe State.

“At Kayawa Village, suspected terrorists were engaged and forced to flee, abandoning a tricycle, three motorcycles and five bicycles.

“Troops also destroyed identified life-support structures and arrested two suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers.

‘Drugs and medical consumables meant for treating wounded fighters were recovered”, the military reported.

It also noted that in a separate ambush operation around Bulturam Corner and Dadingel in Gujba Local Government Area, troops neutralised two terrorists and recovered two AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines and a bicycle.

The military said all affected locations remain under firm control, adding that the scale of recoveries and confirmed casualties further demonstrates what it described as the degrading combat capacity of ISWAP elements in the North-East.