Summary: Nigerian troops foil ISWAP attacks on military bases in Njimtilo, Baga, Buratai and Damboa, Borno State. Several terrorists neutralised, weapons recovered in fierce battles.
In a decisive display of military prowess, Nigerian troops have successfully repelled coordinated terrorist attacks across multiple locations in Borno State, neutralising several ISWAP fighters and recovering significant cache of weapons.
The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has once again demonstrated its tactical superiority by thwarting brazen terrorist attacks launched simultaneously on military positions in Njimtilo, Baga, Buratai and Damboa areas of Borno State.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at the Headquarters of Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, confirmed the development in a statement released on 17th March, 2026.
Coordinated Attacks Met with Fierce Resistance
According to the military spokesperson, the attacks occurred in the early hours of Monday, 16th March, 2026, with ISWAP fighters attempting to infiltrate military positions from multiple directions in what was described as a desperate bid for propaganda advantage.
“The terrorists attempted to overrun our positions, but they met more than they bargained for,” Lieutenant Colonel Uba stated in the official release.
At Ajiri Cross, near Njimtilo, terrorists trying to infiltrate positions held by troops of Sector 1 were quickly detected and decisively engaged. Our gallant soldiers, who had anticipated potential attacks, had prepared a well-coordinated offensive-defensive strategy that proved devastating for the attackers.
Superior Firepower and Tactical Coordination
Through coordinated firepower and tactical manoeuvres designed to disrupt the attackers and cut off their escape routes, Nigerian troops routed the terrorists, forcing them into disorganised retreat while inflicting heavy casualties.
Similar attacks at Baga, Buratai and Damboa met the same fate as troops brought superior firepower to bear on the assailants.
The ground operations received crucial support from the Air Component and Nigerian Army Aviation, whose precision airstrikes disrupted terrorist formations and compounded their losses as they attempted to withdraw.
Key Terrorist Leader Eliminated
Among the significant achievements of the operation was the neutralisation of a key ISWAP leader who spearheaded the Buratai assault. Several other fighters were killed, while many sustained injuries during their chaotic retreat.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba confirmed that despite the intensity of the firefights, which resulted in some equipment damage and wounded personnel on the Nigerian side, troops remained resolute and maintained firm control of all locations.
Massive Weapons Haul Recovered
Following the successful repulsion of the attacks, troops conducted exploitation operations around Baga, extending to Korochara and Garin Giwa areas.
The operations yielded impressive results, with troops recovering:
– 3 PKT machine guns
– 7 AK-47 rifles
– 206 rounds of PKT ammunition
– 418 rounds of anti-aircraft ammunition
– 7 AK-47 magazines
– 3 AK-74 magazines
– 3 RPG bombs
– 2 camel bags
– 3 head warmers
– 1 blanket
– 1 magazine carrier
– 1 litre of engine oil
Additionally, troops destroyed 3 motorcycles used by the terrorists and recovered 7 terrorist corpses. Intelligence reports indicate that the terrorists hurriedly buried another 20 bodies in shallow graves, further confirming the heavy casualties they suffered.
Growing Desperation of Terrorist Groups
The military spokesperson described these failed attacks as clear evidence of the growing desperation of terrorist elements under sustained operational pressure from OPHK forces across the North East region.
“The successive defeats inflicted on the terrorists have significantly constrained their freedom of action and disrupted their attempts to create false propaganda narratives,” Lieutenant Colonel Uba explained.
Troops Remain Battle-Ready
Operation HADIN KAI reassured Nigerians that all affected locations remain firmly under military control and that the Joint Task Force remains fully committed and capable of decisively defeating terrorist elements across the North East.
“Our troops remain in high spirits and continue to dominate the operational environment through superior tactical coordination, decisive firepower and sustained offensive operations against terrorist enclaves and logistics corridors,” the statement emphasized.
Public Advisory
Members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and disregard disinformation and fake reports aimed at undermining ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the region.
The successful operations represent another chapter in Nigeria’s determined fight against terrorism in the North East, showcasing the professionalism and dedication of our armed forces in protecting the territorial integrity of our nation.
As military operations continue to degrade terrorist capabilities in the region, there is renewed hope that peace and normalcy will soon return to communities that have endured years of insecurity.
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