2 soldiers die as troops repel ISWAP attack on military base in Maiduguri

Troops Arrest

The Operation HADIN KAI has confirmed that troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) successfully repelled an attack by suspected ISWAP terrorists on a Forward Operating Base in Maiduguri.

According to a statement issued by Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), the incident occurred in the early hours of May 7, 2026, under Sector 3 of the operation.

The statement explained that the terrorists attempted to infiltrate the Forward Operating Base under conditions of poor visibility, hoping to launch a surprise assault on the troops.

It said although the terrorists recorded minor breaches in an isolated section of the camp, troops fought gallantly and decisively contained and defeated the attack by neutralising scores of the terrorists.

The Army stated that it is important to note that further exploitation of the general area revealed extensive blood trails, body drags and the recovery of terrorist corpses, confirming the heavy casualties inflicted on the attackers during the failed assault.

It added that troops also recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from the fleeing terrorists, 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, while an officer and other wounded personnel are currently stable and receiving appropriate medical attention,” the statement added.

It said that additionally, some equipment was damaged by fire during the engagement, while temporary structures also caught fire during the intense battle.

“Troops are currently conducting exploitation operations within the general area to further consolidate gains from the successful encounter, while efforts to ascertain additional battle damage assessment continue.

“The failed attack further underscores the fighting spirit of OPHK troops in denying terrorists freedom of action across the Theatre of OPHK,” it added.

The statement further noted that the military high command commended the troops for their impressive battle performance and urged them to sustain the operational tempo.