Two gallant soldiers were killed while repelling an attack by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists on a Forward Operating Base in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State. The attack occurred in the early hours of Thursday, May 7, 2026, and was successfully contained by troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, who also neutralised several terrorists during the encounter.
Attack Details
It was gathered that the terrorists initially attacked Magumeri town, where they razed a hospital and several vehicles before attempting to infiltrate the military base. The Media Information Officer for Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed this in a statement. He confirmed that an officer and other personnel were wounded during the fierce encounter and are currently receiving appropriate medical attention.
According to the statement: “Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, in the early hours of 7 May 2026, successfully contained an attack by ISWAP terrorists on Forward Operating Base MAGUMERI under Sector 3.”
Battle Analysis
The terrorists attempted to infiltrate the location under poor visibility. Although they recorded minor breaches on an isolated section of the camp, the troops fought gallantly and decisively contained and defeated the attack by neutralising scores of the terrorists. Further exploitation of the general area revealed extensive blood trails, body drags, and the recovery of terrorist corpses, confirming the heavy casualties inflicted on the attackers during the failed assault.
Troops also recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from the fleeing terrorists, including PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, AK-47 rifles, and magazines.
Casualties and Damage
Regrettably, two gallant soldiers paid the supreme price in the course of the battle, while an officer and other wounded personnel are currently stable and receiving appropriate medical attention. Additionally, some equipment was damaged by fire during the engagement, as well as temporary structures which caught fire during the intense battle.
Troops are currently conducting exploitation operations within the general area to further consolidate gains from the successful encounter, while efforts to ascertain additional battle damage assessment continue.
Military High Command Commendation
The statement further noted that the failed attack underscores the fighting spirit of Operation HADIN KAI troops in denying terrorists freedom of action across the theatre. The Military High Command commended troops for their impressive battle performance, urging them to sustain the operational tempo.
