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Troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI have repelled coordinated attacks by Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters on Forward Operating Bases in Mayanti, Gajigana and Gajiram communities of Borno State.

The attacks, which occurred between late February 28 and the early hours of March 1, 2026, targeted military positions under Sector II of Operation HADIN KAI.

In a statement on Sunday, the Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said troops foiled the assaults and inflicted casualties on the attackers.

According to the statement, Forward Operating Base, FOB, Mayanti in Bama Local Government Area came under heavy attack by a large number of insurgents.

Troops reportedly held their ground despite intense gunfire, while reinforcements navigated ambushes and improvised explosive devices, IEDs, to repel the attackers.

Military sources said five insurgents were killed during the encounter, while weapons including PKT guns, RPG-7 tubes, AK-47 rifles, FN rifles, RPG bombs and ammunition were recovered. An officer was, however, killed during the fighting.

Similarly, at about 1:15 a.m. on March 1, insurgents attacked FOB Gajiram using heavy weapons and drones but were repelled with the support of air assets.

Three bodies were recovered along the withdrawal route, alongside rifles, anti-tank bombs, mortar bombs, an armed drone and other equipment. One wounded soldier was airlifted for medical treatment.

Troops also engaged insurgents at Kayawa village, forcing them to retreat and abandon motorcycles and bicycles.

In separate ambush operations around Bulturam Corner and Dadingel in Gujba Local Government Area, two insurgents were reportedly killed and weapons recovered.

The military said all affected locations remain under its control, while operations continue across the theatre.

One officer killed as military repels ISWAP assault in Borno

Youth leaders from the six states of Nigeria’s North Central region and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, have inaugurated national and state executives of a regional youth forum, pledging to focus on voter registration and participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the event held in Abuja on Saturday, the Director-General of the group, Comrade Abdullahi Muhammed Jemil, said the forum plans to engage communities, institutions and markets across all 1,432 wards in the North Central region and FCT.

“Getting voters’ cards is our machinery to ensure full participation. We are committed to reaching citizens in all wards and encouraging them to participate fully in the 2027 elections,” Jemil said.

The group tasked state coordinators, women leaders, and national executives to activate local chapters to facilitate voter registration and awareness campaigns.

Hon. Hassan Omale Atayoma, Chairman of the forum’s Board of Trustees, urged patience with government policies, noting that reforms being implemented would yield long-term benefits for residents of the region.

Prince Ngbede Odoh, the National Youth Ambassador, highlighted the need for improved voter turnout, pointing out that registration and participation rates in previous elections were lower than expected.

In his remarks, the National Director of the Tinubu Support Group, Umar Tanko Yankasi, described the North Central as one of Nigeria’s most resource-rich regions, citing Kogi State as an example.

Represented by Hassan Sadiq, the National Director of the forum, Umar Tanko Yankasi, emphasized the importance of ward-level organization for effective voter engagement, describing it as central to electoral preparedness in the region.

“These are economic ideas that countries like America, Germany and the UK followed before getting to where they are today,” Yankasi said.

Barr. Isah Iliyasu, Legal Adviser to the youth forum, advised members to pursue their mobilization efforts diplomatically and systematically, stressing that electoral engagement should remain peaceful and crisis-free.

The inauguration brought together youth leaders and stakeholders from across the region to coordinate efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

2027: North Central Youths commit to voter mobilization drive