Military Repels ISWAP Attacks in Borno, One Officer Killed

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East Operation HADIN KAI have successfully repelled coordinated assaults by Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters on military positions in Borno State, the military has said.

According to a statement by the Media Officer of the JTF, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the attacks occurred between the late hours of February 28 and the early hours of March 1, 2026, targeting Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Mayanti, Gajigana, and Gajiram communities under Sector II of Operation HADIN KAI.

Lt. Col. Uba disclosed that troops at FOB Mayanti in Bama Local Government Area faced heavy assaults from a large insurgent group but held their ground despite intense gunfire. Reinforcements overcame ambushes and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to push back the attackers. Five insurgents were killed, and weapons including PKT guns, RPG-7 tubes, AK-47 and FN rifles, RPG bombs, and ammunition were recovered. Unfortunately, one military officer lost his life in the encounter.

At about 1:15 a.m. on March 1, insurgents also attacked FOB Gajiram using heavy weapons and drones. The troops, supported by air assets, successfully repelled the assault. Three bodies were recovered along the withdrawal route, together with rifles, anti-tank and mortar bombs, and an armed drone. One wounded soldier was evacuated for medical treatment.

Troops further engaged insurgents at Kayawa village, forcing a retreat and leaving behind motorcycles and bicycles. Additional ambush operations around Bulturam Corner and Dadingel in Gujba Local Government Area resulted in two insurgent fatalities, with weapons recovered.

The military affirmed that all affected locations remain under its control, and operations continue across the theatre to prevent further attacks.