Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
MAIDUGURI — Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully fought off an early-morning attack by ISWAP terrorists on a forward operating base in the North East, but two soldiers lost their lives in the fierce exchange, the military has confirmed.
The attack on Forward Operating Base MAGUMERI, under Sector 3, took place in the early hours of 7 May 2026. According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (North East), the terrorists attempted to infiltrate the base under cover of poor visibility.
Although the insurgents managed to make minor breaches on an isolated section of the camp, troops fought gallantly and decisively contained the assault, neutralising scores of the attackers.
A subsequent exploitation of the surrounding area revealed extensive blood trails, body drags, and the recovery of terrorist corpses — confirming heavy casualties inflicted on the fleeing insurgents.
Troops also recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition, including PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, AK-47 rifles, and magazines.
“Regrettably, two gallant soldiers paid the supreme price in the course of the battle,” Lieutenant Colonel Uba said. An officer and other wounded personnel are said to be in a stable condition and receiving appropriate medical attention.
Some equipment and temporary structures were damaged by fire during the intense engagement.
Exploitation operations are currently under way to consolidate gains from the encounter, while further battle damage assessments continue.
The Military High Command has commended the troops for their impressive performance and urged them to sustain the operational tempo.
“The failed attack further underscores the fighting spirit of OPHK troops in denying terrorists freedom of action across the theatre,” the statement added.
