CDS Charges Borno, Yobe Residents to Lead Fight Against Terrorism

By Aliyu Hassan

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has called on residents of Borno and Yobe states to take a more active role in tackling insurgency, stressing that community participation is essential to ending terrorism in the North-East.

Speaking on Thursday after a comprehensive review of ongoing military operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP, Oluyede said the Armed Forces had identified strong community cooperation as a key factor in achieving lasting success.

According to him, military gains can only be sustained when local populations support security efforts, noting that insurgent activities often rely on assistance from within affected communities.

He expressed concern over intelligence indicating that some individuals, whether knowingly or unknowingly, provide support or shelter to terrorist elements. Such actions, he warned, weaken ongoing operations and prolong the hardship faced by innocent civilians.

The defence chief explained that many perpetrators of violence are not outsiders but people familiar with the community, including neighbours and acquaintances. He urged residents to overcome fear and personal ties by exposing those involved in criminal activities.

Oluyede emphasised that defeating terrorism requires collective effort, not just military action. He called on citizens to reject all forms of extremism and provide timely, credible information to security agencies.

In reference to the recent attack in Kukawa, he disclosed that follow-up operations discovered injured suspects within the community, implying potential internal cooperation.

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to adapting its strategies to counter evolving threats, including the increasing use of drones and other advanced tools by insurgents.

The CDS also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations, and civil society groups to intensify their efforts to mobilise communities against violent extremism.

He stressed that building strong and resilient communities capable of resisting radical influence remains vital to restoring lasting peace in the region.

Oluyede urged residents to stay alert, report suspicious activities and work closely with security agencies, assuring Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain dedicated to protecting lives and stabilising the North-East.

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.