Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have thwarted terrorist attacks launched by ISWAP fighters on multiple troop locations at Njimtilo, Baga, Buratai and Damboa.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, said in a statement that the attacks, which occurred in the early hours of March 16, 2026, were mounted from several directions in a desperate attempt by the terrorists to gain a propaganda advantage and overrun military positions.
“At Ajiri Cross, ahead of Njimtilo, terrorists attempted to infiltrate positions mounted by troops of Sector 1 but were swiftly detected and decisively engaged by the vigilant troops who had anticipated the move and prepared a deliberate offensive-defensive posture to defeat the assault,” it said.
According to the statement, through coordinated firepower and tactical manoeuvres designed to disrupt the attackers and cut off their withdrawal routes, the terrorists were routed and forced into a disorganised retreat while suffering heavy casualties.
It said similar desperate attacks at Baga, Buratai and Damboa were met with determined resistance as troops brought superior firepower to bear on the attackers.
The engagements were further reinforced by timely close air support from the Air Component and the Nigerian Army Aviation, whose precision strikes disrupted the terrorists’ assault formations and compounded their losses as they attempted to withdraw.
During the engagements, several terrorists were neutralised, including a key leader who spearheaded the Buratai assault, while many others sustained injuries as they fled along their withdrawal routes.
