Two JAS Terrorists, Including Commander, Surrender With Weapons
Ali Mohammed Zanna, Maiduguri
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have foiled terrorist attacks on Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) at Gajiram in Nganzai Local Government Area and Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.
The military also announced the surrender of two Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists, including a commander, with weapons following sustained military operations across the theatre.
According to a statement issued yesterday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Captain Mohammed Goni, the attacks and surrender occurred between September 16 and 17, 2026.
The statement said terrorists advancing towards FOB Gajiram on September 17 were detected early by troops supported by Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets.
It added that troops adopted defensive measures while the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided close air support, forcing the terrorists to withdraw from the area into adjoining locations.
In a related incident later that night, several Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists attacked FOB Mairari but were repelled by troops with support from the Air Component.
The military said the operation inflicted casualties on the attackers and preserved the integrity of the Forward Operating Base.
It added that subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of four terrorists’ corpses, some AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition, RPG bombs and a camcorder, among other items.
The statement disclosed that troops who sustained injuries during the engagement were stabilised and airlifted to hospital for further medical attention.
Following the attacks, the Commander, Sector 3 OPHK, conducted a post-engagement assessment of the affected locations, commended the troops and coordinated follow-on operations.
The locations were subsequently reinforced to strengthen their defensive posture, while troops continued exploitation of the general areas to prevent terrorist elements from regrouping.
Meanwhile, sustained military pressure along the Joint Operations Area resulted in the surrender of two JAS terrorists, including a Qaid (commander), to troops of Sector 1 OPHK along the Miyanti–Darel Jamel Main Supply Route in Bama Local Government Area.
The terrorists surrendered on the night of September 16, 2026, with three AK-47 rifles, five magazines, a motorcycle and a cache of ammunition.
They are currently in military custody undergoing preliminary investigation and profiling in line with established procedures.
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, commended the troops, MNJTF ISR team and aircrew for their vigilance, courage and effective coordination.
He reaffirmed the determination of the operation to sustain pressure against terrorist elements and protect communities across the North East.
Ajose also urged terrorists still in the bush to lay down their arms and surrender through established channels, while calling on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces.
