Nigerian Troops Repel Coordinated Terrorist Attacks in Borno, Neutralise ISWAP Leaders
In a decisive military engagement, troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully thwarted coordinated terrorist assaults on multiple military bases in Borno State. The attacks, which targeted locations in Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Mainok, were launched by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and resulted in the neutralisation of several key insurgent leaders.
Timeline and Intensity of the Assaults
The terrorist attacks commenced on the night of Thursday, March 5, 2026, and persisted into the early hours of Friday morning, spanning from approximately 2230 hours to 0300 hours. Despite the intensity of the assaults, alert and determined troops mounted an overwhelming resistance, firmly holding their defensive positions throughout the engagements.
Strategic Military Response and Counter-Offensive
According to a statement released by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, the troops executed a well-coordinated response. This included simultaneous flanking manoeuvres and reinforcement teams drawn from Sectors 1 and 2, which decisively routed the attacking terrorists and forced them into disorganised withdrawals.
In instances where sections of the defensive perimeter were temporarily breached, troops swiftly counter-attacked and fully regained control of their positions. The fierce engagements led to the elimination of several terrorist leaders, including key Amirs, and a number of insurgent fighters during the counter-offensive.
Air Support and Ongoing Exploitation Operations
In close coordination with the Air Component, multiple precision air strikes were conducted overnight against fleeing terrorist elements and identified hostile positions. These strikes further neutralised scores of insurgents and degraded their fighting capability. Ground troops are currently conducting exploitation operations across the affected areas, with recovery of terrorist corpses, weapons, and other combat equipment ongoing.
Gallant Sacrifices and Structural Impact
Regrettably, the operation came at a cost, as a number of brave soldiers paid the supreme price in the line of duty. Among them was a gallant officer who fought courageously from the front while leading his troops against the attackers. Their sacrifice underscores the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to defending the nation and protecting innocent citizens.
Although some structures within the locations sustained damage during the intense firefights, all bases remain firmly under the control of OPHK troops. The failed attacks highlight the increasing desperation of terrorist elements under sustained operational pressure across the theatre, with Operation HADIN KAI maintaining firm control of the battle space.
