OPHK FOILS TERRORIST ATTACKS, NEUTRALISES FIGHTERS, RECOVERS WEAPONS AS JAS COMMANDER SURRENDERS

OPHK FOILS TERRORIST ATTACKS, NEUTRALISES FIGHTERS, RECOVERS WEAPONS AS JAS COMMANDER SURRENDERS

Troops of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have foiled terrorist attacks on Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) at Gajiram in Nganzai LGA and Mairari in Guzamala LGA of Borno State, neutralising terrorists and recovering weapons and ammunition.

On 17 September 2026, terrorists advancing towards FOB Gajiram were detected early by troops supported by Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets. The troops, backed by close air support from the Air Component of OPHK, mounted a coordinated response that forced the terrorists to withdraw from the area.

Later that night, ISWAP terrorists attacked FOB Mairari but met stiff resistance from troops and sustained close air support. The attack was successfully contained, with four terrorists’ corpses recovered alongside AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition, RPG bombs and a camcorder. Some troops sustained injuries and were evacuated to hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, sustained military pressure also resulted in the surrender of two JAS terrorists, including a Qaid (commander), to troops of Sector 1 OPHK along the Miyanti–Darel Jamel axis in Bama LGA on 16 September. The terrorists surrendered with three AK-47 rifles, five magazines, a motorcycle and ammunition.

The Theatre Commander, OPHK, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, commended the troops, MNJTF ISR team and aircrew for their vigilance and coordination. He urged terrorists still in the bush to lay down their arms and surrender through established channels, while calling on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces.