Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have repelled an overnight attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on a Forward Operating Base in Gajiram, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack occurred at about 12:20 a.m. on Sunday, August 10, 2026, when a large number of terrorists attempted to overrun the military position.
In a statement signed by the Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, the troops engaged the attackers with what the military described as determined and effective fire, forcing them to withdraw after suffering heavy casualties.
The military said several terrorists were neutralised during the encounter, while troops recovered weapons, ammunition and communication equipment from the attackers.
It added that surveillance footage reviewed after the engagement showed retreating terrorists evacuating additional casualties from the area.
The military acknowledged that part of the base’s defences was temporarily breached during the attack, while some vehicles and combat equipment were damaged by Rocket Propelled Grenade fire.
A few soldiers were also injured in the confrontation and subsequently airlifted for medical treatment. The military said they were in stable condition and receiving necessary care.
Following the attack, troops have maintained a strong presence around the Forward Operating Base and adjoining communities to prevent further attempts by the terrorists to regroup or launch another assault.
The military said exploitation of the operational area and assessment of the terrorists’ casualties were still ongoing.
Residents of Gajiram and neighbouring communities were urged to remain calm and continue their lawful activities while remaining vigilant.
The public was also encouraged to report suspicious movements to security agencies or contact 07084988859 to assist ongoing intelligence-gathering efforts.
The Theatre Command, Operation HADIN KAI, reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining military pressure against ISWAP and restoring lasting peace and stability across the North-East.
