Nigerian troops of Operation HADIN KAI have once again demonstrated exceptional courage and military professionalism by successfully repelling coordinated attacks by ISWAP terrorists on three military bases in Borno State, neutralising 11 insurgents in the process.
The Theatre Commander’s spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, confirmed in a statement on Sunday, March 1, 2026, that the attacks targeted Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Mayanti, Gajigana, and Gajiram between February 28 and the early hours of March 1.
Heroes in Action: How Our Troops Defended Their Positions
The resilience of Nigerian soldiers was on full display as they fought off heavily armed terrorists determined to overrun military positions. According to military sources, five terrorists were eliminated at Mayanti, three at Gajiram, and two during the attempted assault on Gajigana.
However, victory came at a painful cost. A gallant officer, Major Umaru Ibrahim Mairiga, made the ultimate sacrifice during the fierce battle at Mayanti, while another soldier sustained injuries during the Gajiram encounter and was swiftly airlifted for advanced medical treatment by a Nigerian Army Aviation helicopter.
Details of the Encounters
Mayanti Attack: Heavy Resistance Yields Major Victory
On February 28, FOB Mayanti faced a massive assault by a large contingent of ISWAP fighters. Despite intense enemy fire, our troops held their ground with remarkable determination. Reinforcements, braving ambush attempts and IED threats, arrived to decisively repel the attackers.
When troops swept the area after the battle, they recovered an impressive cache of weapons including three PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, two RPG-7 tubes, four AK-47 rifles, two FN rifles, three RPG bombs, and substantial quantities of 7.62mm ammunition. Blood trails suggested many more terrorists were wounded and dragged away by their fleeing colleagues.
Gajiram Assault: Drones and Determination
Shortly after midnight on March 1, terrorists equipped with PKT guns, rocket-propelled grenades, and armed drones launched an attack on FOB Gajiram. Our soldiers, supported by air assets, stood firm and repelled the assault.
The retreating terrorists left behind four AK-47 rifles, five anti-tank bombs, three locally fabricated mortar bombs, one armed drone, six fully loaded magazines, wire cutters, specialized ammunition, and even poisoned arrows—evidence of their desperation.
Three terrorist bodies were recovered along their withdrawal route.
Gajigana: Complete Tactical Success
The attack on Gajigana was thoroughly thwarted, with troops maintaining absolute control of their position throughout the engagement.
Wider Operations Across Sector 2
Beyond defending their bases, Nigerian troops have been taking the fight to the terrorists. In offensive operations at Kayawa Village, soldiers engaged insurgents who abandoned a tricycle, three motorcycles, and five bicycles while fleeing.
Troops also destroyed terrorist infrastructure, arrested two confessed ISWAP logistics suppliers, and recovered drugs and medical supplies meant for treating wounded fighters.
During an ambush operation around Bulturam Corner and Dadingel in Gujba Local Government Area, troops neutralised two additional terrorists and seized two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, and other equipment.
What This Means for Nigeria’s Security
Military analysts note that these encounters underscore the “growing desperation of terrorist elements under sustained pressure.” The Theatre Command emphasized that Operation HADIN KAI’s aggressive posture continues to deny terrorists freedom of movement, forcing them into disorderly retreats with heavy casualties.
The substantial weapons and equipment recovered—ranging from sophisticated anti-aircraft guns to improvised drones—demonstrate both the determination of our troops and the degrading capacity of ISWAP to sustain prolonged engagements.
All military positions remain firmly under Nigerian control, and operations continue to dismantle terrorist logistics networks and leadership structures across the North East.
Honouring Our Fallen Hero
As Nigerians, we owe a debt of gratitude to Major Umaru Ibrahim Mairiga and all service members who risk everything to protect our nation. Their sacrifice reminds us that the peace many of us enjoy comes at a price paid by brave men and women in uniform.
The Nigerian Army has assured citizens that operations will intensify until ISWAP and other terrorist groups are completely dismantled, restoring lasting peace to communities in Borno State and the entire North East region.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Major Mairiga and all soldiers serving in Operation HADIN KAI. May their courage never be forgotten.
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