Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), operating under Operation Hadin Kai, have successfully repelled a series of coordinated attacks launched by terrorists suspected to be members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on several military positions across Borno State.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the operation, Sani Uba, the attacks occurred during the night of Sunday, March 8 and Monday, March 9, 2026.
The terrorists simultaneously targeted military locations in Delwa, Goniri, Kukawa, Mainok, and a troop harbour position deep within the Sambisa Forest.
The statement noted that the assaults were carried out from several directions at once, suggesting an attempt by the insurgents to overwhelm the troops’ defensive positions.
Despite the intensity of the attacks, soldiers held their ground and mounted a strong defence.
“Undeterred by the intensity of the assaults and the heavy firepower employed by the terrorists, the gallant troops were firmed and responded with exceptional determination,” the statement said.
Troops reportedly coordinated their defensive efforts across multiple fronts, while reinforcements and the air component of Operation Hadin Kai provided crucial support during the battle.
“Fighting across multiple fronts, the troops effectively coordinated their defensive actions while reinforcements and the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided timely and decisive support during the engagements.”
The terrorists were eventually forced to retreat after suffering heavy casualties, with several bodies left behind at the battle sites.
During the aftermath of the clashes, troops recovered a cache of weapons and equipment abandoned by the fleeing insurgents. Items recovered included two PKT machine guns, six AK-47 rifles, eight rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) bombs, four mortar bombs and assorted ammunition of different calibres.
The military disclosed that sections of the defensive perimeters at Goniri and Kukawa were briefly breached during the intense firefights. Some structures and vehicles within the bases also sustained damage.
However, authorities confirmed that all the affected locations remain firmly under the control of Operation Hadin Kai troops.
“All locations however remain firmly under the control of Operation HADIN KAI troops.”
Security forces, supported by air assets, have since launched follow-up exploitation operations in the affected areas. Cordon-and-search missions are also ongoing in nearby communities where some wounded terrorists were believed to be seeking refuge.
The operation, however, recorded casualties among the troops.
“Regrettably, the engagements claimed the lives of some brave and gallant soldiers, including an outstanding officer in Kukawa, who paid the ultimate price in defence of our nation and the protection of innocent citizens.”
The military said the sacrifices of the fallen soldiers would continue to inspire their colleagues in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
Troops, according to the statement, remain vigilant and motivated to sustain relentless operations aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action and restoring lasting peace, security and economic stability across Nigeria’s North-East region.