38 ISWAP Fighters Killed as Troops Foil Midnight Assault on Borno Base

By Jamila Muhmmad

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai has successfully repelled a coordinated attack launched by suspected ISWAP fighters on a Forward Operating Base in Mandaragirau, Borno State, killing dozens of insurgents and recovering weapons during the fierce encounter.

The military said the attempted invasion happened in the early hours of Saturday, when the terrorists launched a multi-directional assault on the base.

In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt-Col Sani Uba, the troops responded swiftly with what he described as a “well-coordinated offensive and defensive action”, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray.

He explained that the air component of the operation played a crucial role during the battle by providing close air support as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support, which helped troops to strike accurately at the fleeing insurgents.

According to him, the troops did not only repel the attack but also pursued the terrorists along their withdrawal routes, inflicting further casualties in the process.

The military reported that the operation neutralised at least 38 insurgents, and they recovered eight bodies around the immediate scene of the clash.

It added that intelligence gathered from residents and other local sources indicated that over 30 more bodies of the terrorists, along with abandoned weapons, were seen along the Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere corridor stretching into the notorious Timbuktu Triangle.

The statement noted that blood stains and abandoned combat items found along the escape routes suggested that the fleeing terrorists suffered heavy losses during the pursuit.

Weapons and other items recovered after the operation included seven AK-47 rifles, eight loaded magazines, four rocket-propelled grenade bombs and various calibres of ammunition.

The military also disclosed that no soldier was killed during the encounter, although one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle was struck by rocket fire. Some personnel sustained injuries but were said to have been treated and stabilised.

Operation Hadin Kai said the successful defence of the base has further strengthened confidence among residents in surrounding communities and reaffirmed the military’s determination to deny insurgents any foothold in the North-East.

The statement added that troops are still carrying out follow-up clearance operations in the area to recover more weapons and exploit the gains recorded during the battle.

It also revealed that the military high command had praised the troops for their bravery and resilience, urging them to sustain the momentum in ongoing counter-insurgency operations across the region.

Army Probes Alleged Civilian Killing in Maiduguri, Raises Security Concerns

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Headquarters Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai has opened an investigation into the alleged killing of a civilian, Abdulrahman Mustapha, in Maiduguri, Borno State, following accusations of extrajudicial action by troops.

The incident, which has sparked public concern, was said to have happened on March 22 at about 11:40 p.m. around the Polo area near the Federal High Court in Maiduguri.

In a statement issued on March 25, the spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, said the military authorities had already begun what he described as “appropriate processes” to uncover what truly transpired.

The military was reacting to claims circulated on social media alleging that the deceased, popularly known as Abchin, was unarmed and was on his way back from a Sallah visit when he was shot dead by troops.

The online reports described the development as a violation of the victim’s constitutional rights and demanded an independent probe and punishment for anyone found culpable, as well as compensation for the family.

Responding to the outrage, the military said it was treating the matter with the seriousness it deserves, while cautioning that initial findings indicate the circumstances may be more complex than initially portrayed.

According to the statement, preliminary intelligence suggested that the deceased and others with him may have been linked to suspicious movements believed to be connected to a Boko Haram or ISWAP reconnaissance network or a possible sleeper cell operating within Maiduguri.

The military further claimed that early reports indicated the deceased allegedly attempted to seize a rifle from a soldier during the encounter, an action it said would have posed an immediate threat to troops on duty.

It also stated that several items recovered from him had raised additional concerns. These reportedly included multiple identification cards bearing different names, among them a foreign identity card linked to the Niger Republic.

The statement added that a bottle of Tutolin syrup and some wraps of a substance suspected to be cannabis were also allegedly found in his possession.

Operation Hadin Kai also disclosed that the deceased was reportedly in the company of two unidentified women at the time of the incident but said the women fled the scene before they could be questioned.

The military said the fleeing women may hold vital information that could assist investigators and ongoing security operations in the state.

It also cited eyewitness accounts suggesting that the deceased had behaved in a suspicious manner before the shooting, a development that allegedly prompted a distress alert to the nearest military formation.

However, the command stressed that all the information so far remains preliminary and should not be treated as a final account of events.

It said the ongoing investigation would establish the exact sequence of what happened, determine whether the conduct of the troops aligned with operational procedures and rules of engagement, and clarify the role of every person involved.

The Army maintained that it remains committed to professionalism, accountability, and the protection of human rights, assuring the public that the outcome of the investigation would be handled in line with due process.

Military Ramps Up Offensive, Rescues Victims, Destroys Terror Networks Nationwide

By Jamila Muhammad, Gombe 

The Defence Headquarters said on Friday that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have recorded fresh gains in ongoing military operations across the country, including the arrest of terror suspects, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and the recovery of weapons and illicit materials.

The military said the operations, which were conducted between March 20 and March 26, targeted terrorists, insurgents, kidnappers, oil thieves, and other criminal groups operating in different parts of the country.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in Abuja while briefing journalists on the outcome of the latest nationwide offensives.

He said the operations were carried out under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, through intelligence-based missions and coordinated ground actions involving troops in various theatres.

According to him, troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in the North-East, leading to the arrest of suspected informants, logistics suppliers and arms couriers in Borno, Adamawa, and Taraba states.

He said troops also recovered rifles, magazines, and other operational items during raids and security operations at locations such as Maiduguri, Damboa, Kaga, and Mubi.

In the North-West, Onoja said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, with support from air components, carried out attacks on terrorist enclaves in Sokoto and Zamfara states, killing several fighters and disrupting their support networks.

He added that troops also rescued an abducted local government official in Kano State and recovered arms, ammunition and communication devices during ambush and clearance operations.

In the North Central, the defence headquarters said troops operating under operations Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke recorded breakthroughs in anti-kidnapping and anti-terror operations.

Onoja said troops responded to an attack on a worship centre in Kwara State and succeeded in rescuing some of the abducted victims, while efforts were ongoing to free others still in captivity.

He also said troops arrested suspects found with explosive materials and components for improvised explosive devices in Niger State, while more suspects linked to criminal activities were apprehended in Plateau, Benue State, and Kogi State.

He added that several kidnapped victims were rescued during patrols and clearance missions, while weapons and ammunition were recovered from fleeing criminals.

The military spokesman further disclosed that troops discovered and safely detonated improvised explosive devices planted by criminal elements, while several hideouts in forests and border communities were destroyed.

In the South-South, Onoja said troops of Operation Delta Safe intensified the war against crude oil theft and illegal refining, leading to the destruction of illegal refining camps and the recovery of large quantities of stolen crude oil and refined petroleum products in Rivers and Cross River states.

He reported the arrest of suspects involved in oil theft and kidnapping, as well as the interception of vehicles and equipment used for illegal activities.

In the South-East, he said troops of Operation Udo Ka recorded successes against armed groups linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.

According to him, troops detonated improvised explosive devices and dismantled a major illegal refining site in Imo State, where stolen petroleum products were also recovered and destroyed.

Onoja said the latest operational outcomes reflected the impact of sustained military pressure and growing collaboration among security agencies.

He said the military remained committed to degrading criminal networks and restoring peace in troubled communities across the country.

The defence spokesman also conveyed the appreciation of the Chief of Defence Staff for the troops’ dedication and professionalism while urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue to provide useful information to security agencies.