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Midnight assault collapses as Operation HADIN KAI troops unleash overwhelming firepower, forcing ISWAP fighters into a chaotic retreat after suffering heavy battlefield casualties.
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Military recovers weapons, ammunition, and communication gadgets, while surveillance footage captures retreating terrorists evacuating their dead and wounded from the failed operation.
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Despite sustaining injuries and temporary damage to some combat assets, troops hold their ground, reinforce the base, and launch follow-up operations to hunt fleeing insurgents.
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Theatre Command reassures residents of continued security dominance in Gajiram, vowing sustained pressure until ISWAP’s operational capacity is completely dismantled.
August 10, (THEWILL) — Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), shattered what appeared to be a determined midnight bid by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists to seize the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Gajiram, Borno State, leaving the battlefield littered with insurgent casualties and forcing surviving fighters into a desperate retreat under heavy military fire.
According to the Headquarters Theatre Command, Operation HADIN KAI, the terrorists launched the coordinated attack at about 12:20 a.m. on Sunday against the Forward Operating Base in Gajiram, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State, in an apparent attempt to overwhelm the troops and capture the strategic military position.
However, the attackers met fierce resistance as soldiers responded with sustained and accurate firepower that disrupted the offensive and forced the insurgents to abandon the operation after suffering significant losses.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Captain Mohammed Goni, said troops neutralised several terrorists during the fierce gun battle and recovered assorted weapons, ammunition, and communication gadgets left behind by the fleeing fighters.
The command disclosed that surveillance footage reviewed after the operation showed retreating ISWAP members evacuating numerous casualties from the battlefield, further confirming the heavy toll inflicted on the terrorists during the failed raid.
Military authorities added that the recovered weapons, communication equipment, and surveillance recordings are undergoing further operational assessment as intelligence experts continue to analyse the insurgents’ tactics, identities, and operational capabilities.
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Military Tightens Grip On Gajiram, Intensifies Pursuit
Although the troops successfully defended the base, the command acknowledged that a few soldiers sustained injuries during the exchange of fire.
It also disclosed that part of the defensive position was temporarily breached after terrorists fired Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), damaging some combat enablers and military vehicles.
The injured personnel were immediately airlifted to medical facilities and are reported to be in stable condition while receiving treatment.
The military stressed that the temporary breach did not compromise the overall defence of the base, as troops quickly restored full operational control and continued aggressive deployments across Gajiram and adjoining communities.
According to the command, soldiers have maintained dominance of the area through sustained patrols, surveillance, and exploitation operations aimed at preventing any regrouping or renewed attacks by fleeing terrorists.
Residents of Gajiram and neighbouring communities were urged to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities while remaining vigilant and promptly reporting suspicious movements to security agencies.
The military also encouraged members of the public to provide credible intelligence through its emergency line, 07084988859, to strengthen ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining relentless military pressure against ISWAP and other terrorist groups until lasting peace and security are fully restored across the North-East.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
