Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) successfully thwarted a series of coordinated terrorist assaults on military bases in Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Mainok, all located in Borno State. These desperate attacks, launched by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on the night of Thursday, March 5, 2026, extending into the early hours of Friday morning, were met with overwhelming resistance from alert and determined troops.

Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, confirmed these events in a statement released on March 6. The statement detailed that the assaults, which occurred between approximately 2230hrs and 0300 hours, saw troops firmly holding their defensive positions despite the intensity of the engagements.

In a meticulously coordinated response, OPHK troops executed simultaneous flanking manoeuvres. These actions were supported by reinforcement teams from Sectors 1 and 2, which decisively routed the attacking terrorists and forced them into disorganised withdrawals. Even in isolated instances where parts of the defensive perimeter were temporarily breached, troops swiftly counter-attacked, effectively regaining full control of their positions.

During these fierce engagements, several high-ranking terrorist leaders, including key Amirs (Leaders) of ISWAP, were neutralised. Additionally, a significant number of insurgent fighters were eliminated during the counter-offensive. Although some structures within the military locations sustained damage during the intense firefights, the statement affirmed that all bases remain firmly under the control of OPHK troops.

Furthermore, in close coordination with the Air Component, multiple precision air strikes were conducted overnight. These strikes targeted fleeing terrorist elements and identified hostile positions, further neutralising scores of insurgents and substantially degrading their fighting capability. Ground troops are currently engaged in exploitation operations across the affected areas, with the recovery of terrorist corpses, weapons, and other combat equipment ongoing.

Regrettably, the operation was not without cost, as a number of brave soldiers paid the supreme price in the line of duty. This included a gallant officer who fought courageously from the front while leading his troops against the attackers. Their sacrifice, as highlighted by Lt. Col. Uba, reflects the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to defending the nation and protecting innocent citizens.

These failed attacks clearly underscore the increasing desperation of terrorist elements who are currently under sustained operational pressure across the theatre. Operation HADIN KAI maintains firm control of the battle space, demonstrating its continued effectiveness against insurgency.