..Air strikes inflict heavy casualties on fleeing insurgents
..Soldiers foil second attack on Gajigana forward base
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have successfully repelled an attack by suspected ISWAP fighters on a military formation in Gonori, Borno State, recovering weapons and ammunition after a fierce gun battle.
The Nigerian military said the attempted assault occurred late Saturday night when insurgents advanced towards the 120 Task Force Battalion from the Mandunari axis.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesman of the Joint Task Force North-East, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, troops detected the insurgents’ movement early and immediately launched coordinated ground and air operations against the attackers.
The military disclosed that several terrorists were killed during the engagement as troops, supported by fighter aircraft, overpowered the insurgents before they could penetrate the camp.
Air Component personnel of Operation Hadin Kai were subsequently deployed to strike fleeing terrorists, inflicting what the military described as “heavy casualties” on the retreating fighters.
Authorities stressed that the military formation remained fully secure throughout the operation, noting that no part of the camp was overrun and no equipment was lost to the attackers.
Following the confrontation, troops reportedly recovered assorted weapons and ammunition from the scene, including machine guns and AK-47 rifles abandoned by the insurgents.
The army also confirmed that some soldiers sustained injuries during the encounter but assured that the affected personnel were receiving treatment and were in stable condition.
Military authorities said follow-up clearance and pursuit operations were ongoing in surrounding communities to track fleeing terrorists and prevent regrouping.
“The latest failed attack reinforces the unrelenting operational dominance of OPHK and the futility of terrorist aggression against well-fortified and battle-ready troops across the theatre,” the statement read.
In a related development, troops of the 212 Battalion also foiled another attempted attack by suspected ISWAP/JAS fighters on a Forward Operating Base in Gajigana, Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources disclosed that the attack occurred around 1:45 a.m. on Friday when insurgents attempted to overrun the troops’ position under the cover of darkness.
However, soldiers deployed on ambush duty reportedly engaged the attackers immediately after making contact, forcing the insurgents to retreat under sustained gunfire.
Troops thereafter launched follow-up exploitation operations in nearby areas to track the fleeing terrorists, although no further contact was established.
Military authorities said calm had since returned to the affected communities, while troops remained on heightened alert to forestall renewed attacks.
The latest incidents underscore the persistent security challenges facing Nigeria’s North-East despite intensified military offensives against insurgent groups operating within the region.
Insurgents and armed bandits have repeatedly targeted military bases and formations across parts of the country in recent months, testing the resilience of security forces.
Reports indicate that since the beginning of 2026, there have been at least 13 attacks on military bases nationwide, with security forces successfully foiling seven of the assaults.
Security analysts believe the renewed attacks may be part of attempts by insurgent groups to regain operational relevance following sustained bombardments and territorial losses inflicted by the military.
Residents in parts of Borno State have continued to express concern over recurring attacks, urging authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve protection for vulnerable communities.
Despite the renewed threats, military authorities insist troops remain battle-ready and committed to sustaining ongoing counter-insurgency operations across the North-East theatre.
