Nigerian Troops Achieve Major Victory Against ISWAP in Borno
In a significant counter-terrorism operation, troops from Sector 2 of the North-East Joint Task Force, operating under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have successfully neutralized 38 terrorists belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The decisive engagement occurred in the Garin Mallum-Garin Gajere axis, located within the Timbuktu triangle of the Sambisa Forest in Borno State.
Coordinated Military Response Thwarts Terrorist Attack
According to a statement released by Lt-Col. Sani Uba, the OPHK Media Information Officer, the operation unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, March 28, 2026. ISWAP terrorists launched a half-hearted attack on the Mandaragirau Army base, but were met with a well-coordinated and deliberate offensive from ground troops. The military's response forced the insurgents into a disorderly withdrawal, with the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI providing crucial close air support and Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) feedback to enhance targeted kinetic actions.
Subsequent exploitation along the terrorists' withdrawal routes inflicted additional heavy losses on the ISWAP terror group. A total of approximately 38 terrorists were neutralized, with eight bodies recovered within the immediate engagement area of Mandaragirau. Local residents from communities along the Damboa-Biu road confirmed to troops that over 30 additional terrorist bodies and weapons were strewn along the Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis.
Weapons Recovered and Minimal Casualties
The troops successfully recovered a significant cache of weapons and equipment, including:
- Seven AK-47 rifles
- Eight magazines
- Four Rapid Propelled Grenades (RPGs) bombs
- Assorted ammunition
Remarkably, the operation recorded no fatalities among Nigerian forces. However, one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle was hit by RPG fire, with injured personnel promptly stabilized at the frontline of the operation.
Community Impact and Ongoing Operations
Lt-Col. Uba emphasized that the scale of enemy losses has triggered widespread jubilation among local communities. This outcome underscores the sustained dominance of OPHK troops in denying terrorists freedom of action in Borno State. Additional exploitation operations are currently ongoing in the Garin Mallum-Garin Gajere axis on the fringes of Sambisa Forest to recover littered terrorist corpses and consolidate troops' gains.
The Military High Command in Abuja has commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience, urging them to sustain the operational tempo in protecting lives and property in the Northeast. This operation represents a critical blow to ISWAP's capabilities in the region, reinforcing the military's commitment to restoring peace and security.
