Troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully thwarted a multi-pronged assault by fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Magumeri, Borno State. The insurgents launched the attack during the early hours of Thursday, May 7, 2026, reportedly attempting to use the cover of poor visibility caused by a severe dust storm to infiltrate the military formation.

The confrontation quickly escalated into a fierce gun battle as vigilant soldiers engaged the terrorists, preventing them from breaching the base’s main perimeter. Despite the intensity of the surprise raid, the troops utilized superior firepower and tactical positioning to force the attackers into a retreat. Military sources noted that the engagement lasted for several hours before the insurgents fled into the surrounding dense vegetation.

Tragically, the Nigeria military confirmed that two gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the encounter.

Additionally, an officer and several other personnel sustained various degrees of injuries while defending the base. The wounded are currently reported to be in stable condition and are receiving intensive medical attention at a military facility.

While the army suffered casualties, the insurgents also sustained heavy losses. Intelligence reports indicate that at least eight to 10 terrorists were neutralized during the firefight, while many others escaped with significant gunshot wounds. A member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) who witnessed the aftermath noted that parts of the base’s temporary structures were damaged by fire during the chaotic exchange.

Following the successful repelling of the attack, the military conducted a thorough “mop-up” operation in the vicinity, leading to the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons and logistics. Items seized from the fleeing militants included several AK-47 rifles, machine guns, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) launchers, and anti-aircraft ammunition. Furthermore, troops recovered approximately 20 motorcycles used by the syndicate for the operation.

The spokesperson for the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, emphasized that the failed infiltration highlights the increasing desperation of ISWAP as security forces continue to squeeze their supply lines. Reinforced patrols and surveillance have been deployed to Magumeri and neighboring communities to track the retreating remnants of the group and prevent any further retaliatory strikes in the region.