Operation Hadin Kai Troops Crush Multiple ISWAP Attacks, Recover Heavy Arms and Munitions

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have successfully foiled coordinated attacks by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Mayanti, Gajigana and Gajiram, reaffirming their operational resilience and battlefield superiority across Sector 2.

This was confirmed in a press release signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI on Sunday.

The failed assaults, which occurred between the late hours of 28 February and the early hours of 1 March 2026, reflect the mounting pressure on terrorist elements as sustained offensive operations continue to target their strongholds, logistics networks and leadership structures.

While troops maintained full control of their position in Gajigana after repelling the attack, the encounters at Mayanti and Gajiram led to significant terrorist casualties and the recovery of substantial combat equipment.

At approximately 2300 hours on 28 February 2026, FOB Mayanti came under heavy attack by a large number of terrorists. Despite intense enemy fire, troops stood their ground as reinforcements navigated ambushes and improvised explosive device (IED) threats to reinforce the position. After the engagement, five terrorist bodies were confirmed, while troops recovered three PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, two RPG-7 tubes, four AK-47 rifles, two FN rifles, three RPG bombs and large quantities of 7.62mm ammunition. Blood trails along the withdrawal routes suggested additional enemy casualties. Regrettably, one officer paid the supreme sacrifice during the encounter.

Similarly, at about 0115 hours on 1 March 2026, terrorists armed with PKT guns, rocket-propelled grenades and armed drones attacked FOB Gajiram. The assault was decisively repelled by determined troops, supported by air components. Three terrorist bodies were recovered along their escape route. Items recovered include four AK-47 rifles, five anti-tank bombs, three locally fabricated mortar bombs, one armed drone, six fully loaded 7.62mm NATO magazines, barbed wire cutters, specialised ammunition and other materials abandoned in flight. One wounded soldier was airlifted by a Nigerian Army Aviation helicopter for advanced medical attention and is currently receiving treatment.

In related offensive operations within Sector 2, troops engaged terrorists at Kayawa Village, forcing them to flee and abandon a tricycle, three motorcycles and five bicycles. Identified life-support structures were destroyed, while two confessed ISWAP logistics suppliers were arrested. Troops also recovered drugs and medical supplies believed to have been used in treating wounded terrorists.

Additionally, during an ambush operation around Bulturam Corner and Dadingel in Gujba Local Government Area, troops neutralised two terrorists and recovered two AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines, a bicycle and other sundry items.

All affected locations remain firmly under the control of troops. The scale of recoveries and confirmed enemy losses further highlights the degrading combat capability of ISWAP elements in the North East theatre.