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.

Troops Foil Coordinated Terrorist Assaults on Azir Bridge, Banki Bases in Borno

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), operating under Operation Hadin Kai, have thwarted coordinated attacks launched by suspected terrorists on military formations at Azir Bridge and Banki in Borno State.

The successful defence of the positions was confirmed in a statement released on Friday in Maiduguri by the Media Information Officer of the operation, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba.

According to him, the attempted assaults occurred in the early hours of Friday when a large number of insurgents advanced toward the military locations in what appeared to be a coordinated effort to overwhelm the troops.

Uba explained that the first wave of the attack targeted the troops stationed at Azir Bridge under Sector 2 at about 2:00 a.m., while another group of terrorists struck a military base in Banki, located in Sector 1, at approximately 3:40 a.m.

He noted that the soldiers swiftly responded to the incursions with strong defensive actions, preventing the attackers from breaching their positions.

The officer stated that the troops displayed high levels of tactical alertness and combat preparedness during the confrontation, executing well-planned counter-moves that disrupted the insurgents’ formations and forced them to retreat.

He further revealed that air support from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai played a crucial role during the encounter, providing close air assistance that strengthened the ground troops’ response and helped repel the attackers.

Uba also dismissed reports circulating on certain online platforms suggesting otherwise, describing them as misleading narratives aimed at undermining ongoing military operations in the region.

He stressed that the troops remain firmly in charge of the affected areas and continue to maintain operational dominance across the theatre.

“The troops are fully committed and remain highly motivated to sustain offensive operations against terrorist elements and ensure lasting security in the region,” he said.

The military authorities reaffirmed their determination to neutralise insurgent threats and restore lasting peace across the North-East.