In a significant display of force, Nigerian military forces have successfully repelled coordinated terrorist attacks in the North-East, inflicting heavy casualties on the insurgents in separate operations across Borno and Adamawa states.
Decisive Victory at Forward Operating Base Azir
On Friday, troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) faced a large-scale, multi-directional assault on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Azir in Borno State. The terrorists attempted to breach the defensive perimeter but were met with overwhelming and sustained firepower from the ground troops, who were backed by the Air Component and other Nigerian Army aerial platforms.
According to a statement from the Acting Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (North East) OPHK, Lt. Solomon Atokolo, a prolonged firefight lasting over an hour ensued. The terrorists were decisively overpowered and forced into a retreat. During the intense engagement, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) fire from the attackers partially gutted some troop-carrying vehicles and the CCTV control room.
Despite this damage, the troops maintained firm control of the situation. In the aftermath, they recovered a significant cache of terrorist weapons and ammunition, which included:
- A 60mm mortar tube and mortar bombs
- Locally fabricated explosives
- Heavy machine gun rounds
- Hundreds of rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition
Relentless Pursuit from Air and Ground
The military's response did not end at the base perimeter. Persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms immediately tracked the fleeing terrorists. This enabled follow-up operations along their identified withdrawal routes by the Air Component of OPHK.
Subsequent precision strikes by Nigerian Air Force platforms led to the neutralisation of additional scores of terrorists, dealing a severe blow to their combat strength and morale. Evidence gathered from post-operation exploitation confirmed that the insurgents suffered heavy casualties from this relentless pursuit.
Adamawa Attack Foiled Without Loss
In a separate incident demonstrating the troops' resilience and professionalism, another coordinated terrorist attack was foiled in Adamawa State. In the early hours of January 16, 2026, terrorists attempted to overrun a patrol base at Sabon Gari in the Madagali Local Government Area, which falls under Sector 4 of OPHK.
The alert troops swiftly engaged the attackers, with timely support from reinforcements deployed from Gulak and the Battalion Quick Reaction Force. The assault was successfully repelled without any casualties to troops or loss of equipment, forcing the terrorists to abandon their mission.
The general area was subsequently cleared and scanned for improvised explosive devices and booby traps to ensure the safety of both civilians and military personnel in the vicinity.
Lt. Atokolo emphasised that these successes underscore the unwavering commitment of military personnel to securing lives and property. He noted that the troops remain resolute in denying terrorists freedom of action, dismantling their networks, and protecting the integrity of Nigeria's North-East region.
