Operation Hadin Kai: Troops Crush Coordinated Boko Haram Offensive Across Four Borno Locations

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a series of coordinated night attacks by Boko Haram insurgents targeting military positions and nearby communities in Konduga, Marte, Jakana and Mainok, the Nigerian Army said in an official statement released on March 7, 2026.

The assaults took place between approximately 22:30 hours on March 5 and 03:00 hours on March 6. The attackers struck simultaneously from multiple directions in an apparent attempt to overrun defensive locations. Troops, who were on high alert, maintained their positions under intense gunfire and responded with disciplined counter-attacks, supported by flanking manoeuvres and rapid reinforcement from Sectors 1 and 2. In the few instances where small sections of the perimeter were temporarily breached, soldiers immediately launched counter-offensives and fully restored control.

Several terrorist commanders, including key Amirs, were neutralized during the engagements, while numerous fighters were also eliminated. The Air Component provided critical support through multiple precision airstrikes on fleeing insurgents and identified hostile positions, inflicting further heavy casualties and disrupting the attackers’ cohesion and withdrawal.

Although some infrastructure within the locations sustained damage during the exchanges, all military bases remained firmly under Operation Hadin Kai control. Ground forces are currently conducting exploitation and clearance operations across the affected areas, recovering terrorist corpses, weapons, ammunition and other combat materials.

The Nigerian Army confirmed that a number of gallant soldiers, including a Commanding Officer who led from the front, paid the supreme price while defending their positions and protecting nearby communities. Their sacrifice is being honoured as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and innocent citizens.

The failed assaults are viewed as a clear indication of increasing desperation among terrorist groups under sustained military pressure across the theatre. Operation Hadin Kai continues to maintain aggressive momentum to dismantle regrouping cells and prevent further attacks on civilians.

Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, issued the official statement.

Burial of Fallen Soldiers

A solemn burial ceremony for the fallen soldiers took place at the Maimalari Military Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri over the weekend. The Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, described the occasion as a painful reminder of the true cost of service.

“In the profession of arms, there are moments of victory that fill us with pride and affirm the strength, courage and unity that define our service. Yet there are also solemn moments that weigh heavily on our hearts and remind us of the true cost of service, as we have witnessed today,” he said.

Major General Abubakar praised the fallen troops for their courage, selflessness and dedication, noting that their sacrifices were losses not only to their families but also to the theatre, the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the entire nation.

“They endured hardship so that our flag would continue to fly high. Their sacrifices remind us that freedom is not free; it is secured by the steadfast resolve of patriots willing to place duty above self,” he stated.

The Theatre Commander assured the families that all entitlements due to the deceased would be processed promptly and extended condolences on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Security Trust Fund, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Yabe, also expressed condolences and reaffirmed the state government’s continued support for the families of the fallen heroes and the military in discharging its constitutional responsibilities.

The ceremony was attended by top government officials from Borno State, senior military officers from Headquarters Theatre Command and 7 Division Nigerian Army, the Commander of 25 Task Force Brigade, the Chairman of Damboa Local Government Area, as well as families and next of kin of the deceased personnel.