Troops repel Boko Haram/ISWAP attacks on two military positions in Borno

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By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

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Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, have repelled coordinated attacks by insurgents on military positions in Banki and Azir in Borno State.

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Banki is located in Bama Local Government Area and shares a border with Cameroon, while Azir, in Damboa Local Government Area, is a small but strategic community along the Maiduguri–Damboa–Biu Road, which has remained largely closed for years due to insurgent activities.

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Confirming the development in a statement on Friday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, Sani Uba, said several insurgents were killed during the separate encounters, while troops recovered arms and ammunition.

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According to the statement, the attacks occurred in the early hours of March 13, 2026, when insurgents attempted to overrun troop positions at Azir Bridge in Sector 2 and Banki in Sector 1.

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The statement said the attackers, who advanced in large numbers, were met with strong resistance from troops.

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It added that soldiers launched coordinated counterattacks that disrupted the insurgents’ assault formations and forced them to retreat.

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The military also said the operations were supported by close air support from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, which contributed to repelling the attacks.

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The task force noted that troops remain in control of the affected locations and continue offensive operations against insurgent groups across the theatre.

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It also reassured the public of the military’s commitment to tackling insurgency and restoring lasting peace to Nigeria’s North-East region.

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