Troops Crush ISWAP Assault in Borno, Dozens of Insurgents Killed

By Umar Ahmad

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have foiled a coordinated attack by suspected ISWAP fighters in the Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, killing more than 60 insurgents in a fierce gun battle.

According to a military situation report released on Wednesday, the terrorists launched the assault on Tuesday evening, targeting the 68th Battalion’s Mobile Defence Area.

The report revealed that the attackers advanced from the Duguri axis, focusing on the forward position of Bravo Company. The insurgents reportedly moved on foot while deploying armed drones during the attempted infiltration.

However, troops of the Joint Task Force, supported by air components, swiftly responded to the attack. The forces successfully neutralised the drone threat and engaged the terrorists, forcing them to retreat in disarray toward the Arege area.

Preliminary battle damage assessments indicate that over 60 insurgents were eliminated during the encounter, while four soldiers sustained minor injuries.

The military further disclosed that surveillance and intelligence operations are ongoing, following the sighting of six groups of suspected terrorists moving in the direction of Arege.

Plans are also underway to carry out clearance operations in the area to consolidate the gains recorded and prevent further incursions.

Meanwhile, a video released by the Joint Task Force captured the aftermath of an airstrike, highlighting the precision and combat readiness of troops operating in the North-East theatre.

The military reaffirmed its resolve to safeguard civilian populations and sustain intensified offensives against terrorist elements across Borno State and neighbouring regions.

Joint Security Forces Crush Boko Haram Infiltration Plot in Maiduguri

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Joint security forces in Borno State have repelled an attempted Boko Haram attack on the outskirts of Maiduguri and the Bulumkutu community.

Security officials said the insurgents tried to enter the state capital through the Molai–Maiduguri gate in the early hours of Monday.

Residents earlier reported sporadic gunshots and explosions, which caused panic across parts of the city.

Police Explain Cause of Gunshots

The Police Public Relations Officer in Borno State, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nahum Daso, confirmed the incident.

He said the sounds of gunfire and explosions resulted from a failed infiltration attempt by suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.

Daso explained that the terrorists planned coordinated attacks on several locations in Maiduguri.

According to him, the attackers aimed at the Ajilari Cross and Kofa areas within the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC).

He added that the insurgents also targeted the 85-kilometre Maiduguri–Damboa road and parts of the Damboa Local Government Area.

The attempted attacks began around midnight on Sunday and continued into the early hours of Monday, March 16, 2026.

Security Forces Engage Terrorists

Security agencies quickly responded after receiving intelligence alerts.

The joint team included the Nigeria Police Force, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local vigilante groups.

The forces confronted the insurgents and prevented them from carrying out the planned attacks.

Daso said the terrorists fled after the security forces overpowered them during the encounter.

He added that several insurgents likely suffered gunshot wounds while escaping.

No Casualties Recorded

Security authorities confirmed that no civilian or security personnel lost their lives during the operation.

However, officials believe the insurgents suffered casualties. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number.

Police Urge Vigilance

The Commissioner of Police in Borno State, Naziru Abdulmajid, reassured residents of continued security across the state.

He urged the public to remain calm but stay vigilant.

Abdulmajid also warned residents against spreading unverified information that could cause panic.

He encouraged communities to support security agencies by providing credible and timely intelligence.

Babangida Advocates Better Funding, Welfare for Military Veterans,  Fallen Heroes’ Families

By Haruna Musa

Former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has urged the Federal Government to strengthen financial support and welfare programmes for retired military personnel and families of soldiers who died while serving the nation.

Babangida made the appeal when the National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Morenike Henry, led members of the organisation’s leadership on a courtesy visit to his residence in Minna.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the Legion’s Media Officer, Oloriegbe David.

During the meeting, Babangida acknowledged the difficulties confronting military veterans and assured the delegation that he would engage relevant government authorities to explore possible solutions aimed at improving their welfare.

He also praised the leadership of the Nigerian Legion for its continued advocacy and commitment to safeguarding the dignity and wellbeing of retired servicemen and women.

According to him, the sacrifices made by those who defended Nigeria during their years of service should never be forgotten, stressing that veterans deserve sustained support from the nation they served.

Earlier, Henry outlined several pressing challenges affecting ex-servicemen and women. She cited inadequate access to medical care, insufficient funding for healthcare services, and the economic struggles faced by widows of soldiers who lost their lives in active duty.

She appealed for financial assistance that could amount to about five to six months’ salary for widows of fallen soldiers, explaining that such support would help them establish small-scale businesses and sustain their families.

Henry further noted that many military personnel enlist at a young age and often face significant financial and social challenges after retirement or in the event of death during service.

The Legion chairman also renewed calls for the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Veterans Affairs, saying such an institution would ensure a structured and lasting support system for former members of the armed forces.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Emmanuel Undiandeye, advised the leadership of the Legion to avoid protests while pursuing their demands.

Undiandeye commended the proposal to establish a Ministry of Veterans Affairs and stressed the need for accountability and transparency in managing funds meant for veterans’ welfare.

He encouraged the organisation to focus on programmes that directly benefit retired soldiers and their families, adding that constructive dialogue with government authorities remained the most effective path to achieving policy reforms and improved funding.

Responding, Henry expressed gratitude to the defence intelligence chief for his support in facilitating the successful hosting of the Nigerian Legion Council meeting.