🇳🇬 Operation HADIN KAI Foils Attacks On FOBs, Recovers Weapons As Two JAS Terrorists Surrender

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have foiled terrorist attacks on Forward Operating Bases at Gajiram and Mairari in Borno State, inflicting casualties on attacking elements and recovering weapons and other equipment during separate engagements.

Desk: Defence & Security
Date: 18 September 2026
Time: 13:54 WAT
Location: Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

The attacks occurred on 17 September 2026 at FOB Gajiram in Nganzai Local Government Area and FOB Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area, while sustained military pressure also led to the surrender of two Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad terrorists, including a Qaid, with weapons.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, terrorists advancing towards FOB Gajiram were detected early by alert troops supported by Multinational Joint Task Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets.

Troops immediately adopted defensive measures, while the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided close air support. The coordinated response compelled the terrorists to withdraw from the vicinity of the location into adjoining areas.

Later that night, several ISWAP terrorists attacked FOB Mairari but encountered stiff resistance from troops, supported by close air support from the Air Component. The coordinated response contained the attack and inflicted casualties on the terrorists while troops maintained the integrity of the Forward Operating Base.

Subsequent exploitation of the area resulted in the recovery of four terrorist corpses, AK-47 rifles, magazines, quantities of ammunition, RPG bombs and a camcorder, among other items. Troops who sustained injuries during the engagement were stabilised and airlifted to hospital for further medical attention.

Following the engagements, the Commander Sector 3, Operation HADIN KAI, conducted a post-engagement assessment of the affected locations to evaluate the situation, commend the troops and coordinate follow-on actions.

The locations were subsequently reinforced to consolidate the gains and strengthen their defensive posture, while troops continued exploitation of the surrounding areas to prevent terrorist elements from regrouping.

In a related development, two JAS terrorists, including a Qaid, surrendered to troops of Sector 1, Operation HADIN KAI, along the Main Supply Route Miyanti–Darel Jamel axis in Bama Local Government Area on the night of 16 September.

The surrendered terrorists handed over three AK-47 rifles, five magazines, a motorcycle and a cache of ammunition. They are currently in military custody undergoing preliminary investigation and profiling in accordance with established procedures.

The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, commended the troops, MNJTF ISR team and aircrew for their vigilance, courage and coordination during the operations.

Major General Ajose reaffirmed the Theatre’s determination to sustain operational pressure against terrorist elements and protect communities across the North East, while urging terrorists still in the bush to lay down their arms and surrender through established channels.

He also called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces in support of ongoing operations.

🏷️ Tags: Operation HADIN KAI, Nigerian Army, Borno Security, ISWAP, JAS Terrorists, Ibikunle Ajose, Counterterrorism, Military Operations

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