Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have once again demonstrated superior combat readiness and tactical dominance by successfully thwarting terrorist attacks launched by ISWAP fighters on multiple troop locations at Njimtilo, Baga, Buratai, and Damboa.

The attacks, which occurred in the early hours of 16 March 2026, were mounted from several directions in a desperate attempt by the terrorists to gain propaganda advantage and overrun military positions.

At Ajiri Cross, ahead of Njimtilo, terrorists attempted to infiltrate positions held by troops of Sector 1 but were swiftly detected and decisively engaged by vigilant troops who had anticipated the move and prepared a deliberate offensive-defensive posture to defeat the assault. 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.

Similar 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 withdrawal routes. Despite the intensity of the firefights, which resulted in the destruction of some equipment and injuries to some personnel, troops remained resolute and maintained firm control of all locations while continuing exploitation operations to pursue fleeing terrorists.

Following the engagements, troops conducted exploitation operations around Baga, extending to Korochara and Garin Giwa ahead of the Gidan Kaje general area. During the operation, troops recovered significant quantities of weapons and equipment, including three PKT machine guns, seven AK-47 rifles, 206 rounds of PKT ammunition, 418 rounds of anti-aircraft ammunition, seven AK-47 magazines, three AK-74 magazines, and three RPG bombs.

Other items recovered include two camel bags, three head warmers, one blanket, one magazine carrier, and one litre of engine oil, while three motorcycles used by the terrorists were destroyed. In addition, seven terrorist corpses were recovered, while the terrorists reportedly buried about 20 others in shallow graves.

The military said the failed attacks demonstrate the growing desperation of terrorist elements under sustained operational pressure from OPHK forces across the theatre. It added that successive defeats have significantly constrained the terrorists’ freedom of action and disrupted attempts to create false propaganda narratives.

Troops remain in high spirits and continue to dominate the operational environment through coordinated tactics, decisive firepower, and sustained offensive operations against terrorist enclaves and logistics corridors.

Operation HADIN KAI reassured the public that all affected locations remain firmly under troop control and reiterated its commitment to decisively defeating terrorist elements across the North East. Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and disregard disinformation aimed at undermining ongoing counter-terrorism operations.