By Fatima Saka
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have repelled an attempted assault by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Gajiram, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State, neutralising several attackers and recovering weapons, ammunition and communication gadgets.
The attack occurred at about 12:20 a.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, when a large number of ISWAP terrorists attempted to overrun the troops’ position.
The troops responded with sustained and effective firepower, forcing the terrorists to withdraw after suffering heavy casualties.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, surveillance footage reviewed after the engagement confirmed that the retreating terrorists evacuated several casualties.
He said the recovered weapons, ammunition and communication equipment, as well as the surveillance footage, were undergoing further operational assessment.
The military, however, disclosed that some troops sustained injuries during the encounter after part of the base’s defences was temporarily breached.
It added that some combat enablers and vehicles were damaged by Rocket Propelled Grenade fires during the attack.
The injured personnel were promptly airlifted and are currently stable while receiving medical attention.
Following the attack, troops have remained firmly deployed in and around the Forward Operating Base and adjoining areas to dominate the area, monitor developments and prevent the terrorists from attempting another attack.
The Theatre Command urged residents of Gajiram and surrounding communities to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities.
It also called on members of the public to report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security agencies or through the designated contact number, 07084988859, to support ongoing intelligence gathering.
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The military said exploitation of the operational area and further assessment of the terrorists’ casualties and activities were still ongoing.
The Headquarters Theatre Command, Operation HADIN KAI, reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on ISWAP terrorists until lasting peace and stability are restored in the North-East.
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