Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled coordinated attacks by ISWAP fighters on multiple military locations in Borno State, dealing significant blows to the insurgents.
The attempted assaults, which occurred in the early hours of March 16, 2026, targeted troop positions at Njimtilo, Baga, Buratai, and Damboa. According to military authorities, the attacks were launched from multiple directions in what appeared to be a desperate effort by the terrorists to overrun the formations and gain propaganda advantage.
At Ajiri Cross, near Njimtilo, troops of Sector 1 detected and engaged advancing insurgents, effectively disrupting their infiltration attempt. The troops, who had anticipated the attack, adopted a strategic offensive-defensive posture, combining coordinated firepower and tactical manoeuvres to cut off the attackers’ withdrawal routes. The terrorists were subsequently forced into a disorganised retreat after suffering heavy casualties.
Similar attacks in Baga, Buratai, and Damboa were also repelled, with troops bringing superior firepower to bear on the insurgents. The operations were bolstered by close air support from the Air Component and Nigerian Army Aviation, whose precision strikes further weakened the attackers as they attempted to withdraw.
Military sources confirmed that several terrorists were neutralised during the engagements, including a key commander involved in the Buratai assault, while many others sustained injuries. Although some military equipment was damaged and a number of personnel wounded, troops maintained control of all targeted locations.
In follow-up operations, troops carried out exploitation missions around Baga, extending to Korochara and Garin Giwa areas. During these operations, a cache of weapons and equipment was recovered, including machine guns, AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and rocket-propelled grenades. Troops also destroyed motorcycles used by the insurgents and recovered several bodies, while others were reportedly buried in shallow graves by fleeing fighters.
The military noted that the failed attacks underscore increasing pressure on terrorist elements in the North East, limiting their operational capacity and attempts to spread disinformation.
Operation Hadin Kai reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations and maintaining control across the theatre, urged members of the public to remain vigilant and disregard false reports aimed at undermining ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
