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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

The Headquarters Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI has launched an investigation into the controversial killing of a man, Abdulrahman Mustapha, in Maiduguri, following widespread allegations of extrajudicial action by troops.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on March 22 near the Polo axis close to the Federal High Court, has sparked outrage on social media.

It was alleged that Mustapha, also known as Abchin, was unarmed and returning from a Sallah visit when he was shot dead by military personnel.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, described the allegations as serious, confirming that an investigation was underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to the statement, Mustapha might have attempted to snatch a soldier’s rifle, an act the military described as a direct threat to troops.

However, the military indicated that initial findings suggest the situation may be more complex than portrayed.

According to the Theatre Command, preliminary operational indicators point to possible security concerns, including suspicions that the deceased may have been linked to a Boko Haram or ISWAP reconnaissance group or sleeper cell.

“Initial findings indicate the possibility that troops may have encountered individuals consistent with a Boko Haram/ISWAP reconnaissance element or a sleeper cell operating within the area. This assessment is based on several factors, including reports that the individual in question allegedly attempted to snatch a soldier’s rifle, an action indicative of hostile intent and a direct threat to troops’ safety.

“Additionally, the individual was reportedly found in possession of multiple identification cards bearing different names from that cited in the petition, including a foreign identification card from the Niger Republic, which may suggest cross-border movement, possible infiltration, or the use of a decoy identity,” part of the statement read.

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A PwC report says Nigeria’s electricity reform is entering a decisive phase as states assume greater control under the Electricity Act 2023, amid persistent structural challenges.

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