Photos: Troops Crush Coordinated ISWAP Attacks in Borno, Inflict Heavy Losses on Terrorists

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled coordinated attacks by ISWAP fighters on multiple military positions in Borno State, security officials said.

The assaults occurred in the early hours of March 16, 2026, targeting locations in Njimtilo, Baga, Buratai, and Damboa. According to the military, the attackers approached from several directions in what was described as an attempt to overrun the positions.

At Ajiri Cross near Njimtilo, troops detected the movement of the fighters and engaged them. The military said the response forced the attackers to retreat after sustaining casualties. Similar engagements were reported in Baga, Buratai, and Damboa, where troops resisted the attacks with ground fire support, backed by air operations.

The air component and army aviation units carried out strikes during the clashes, targeting groups of fighters as they withdrew, further disrupting their movements.

The military confirmed that several fighters were killed, including a commander involved in the Buratai attack. Some personnel were injured during the fighting, and equipment was damaged, but all positions remained under military control.

Following the clashes, troops conducted clearance operations in surrounding areas, including Korochara and Garin Giwa near Gidan Kaje. Weapons and supplies recovered include three PKT machine guns, seven AK-47 rifles, ammunition, magazines, and RPG bombs. Other items such as bags, clothing, and motorcycles were also seized or destroyed.

Seven bodies were recovered at the scene, while additional casualties were reportedly buried by the retreating fighters.

The military said the attacks reflect increasing pressure on insurgent groups in the region. It added that operations would continue across the North East to disrupt remaining fighters and their supply routes.

Authorities urged residents to remain alert and avoid spreading unverified information about ongoing security operations.