Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have successfully repelled a series of coordinated attacks launched by ISWAP fighters targeting multiple military locations in Borno State.
The synchronized assaults, which took place in the early hours of March 16, 2026, targeted Njimtilo, Baga, Buratai, and Damboa. Military officials report that the insurgents suffered heavy casualties and were forced into a disorganized retreat following intense fire-fights.
Tactical Success at Njimtilo and Buratai
At Ajiri Cross, near Njimtilo, troops of Sector 1 detected an attempted infiltration by the terrorists. Utilizing a pre-planned offensive-defensive posture, the soldiers engaged the attackers with coordinated firepower, cutting off their withdrawal routes.
Similar resistance was met at Baga, Buratai, and Damboa. The ground troops were bolstered by the Air Component and Nigerian Army Aviation, whose precision strikes disrupted the terrorists’ formations. Among those killed in the engagement was a key ISWAP leader who reportedly spearheaded the assault on Buratai.
Recovered Arms and Casualties
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for Operation HADIN KAI, confirmed in a statement that the military maintains firm control over all locations.
”Following the engagements, troops conducted exploitation operations around Baga, extending to Korochara and Garin Giwa,” Uba stated. “During the exploitation, 7 terrorist corpses were recovered, while it was discovered the miscreants buried another 20 bodies in shallow graves.”
The military recovered a significant cache of weaponry, including:
- 3 PKT machine guns and 7 AK-47 rifles.
- Over 600 rounds of varied ammunition (PKT and anti-aircraft).
- 10 magazines (AK-47 and AK-74) and 3 RPG bombs.
- 3 motorcycles used by the insurgents were destroyed on-site.
Current Operational Status
While the intensity of the firefights resulted in some damage to military equipment and injuries to a number of personnel, the Command emphasized that troops remain in high spirits and continue to dominate the operational environment.
The military characterized the failed coordinated attacks as a sign of “growing desperation” by terrorist elements under sustained pressure. Operation HADIN KAI has urged the public to remain vigilant and ignore disinformation intended to undermine counter-terrorism efforts.
