Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have killed a Forward Operations Base (FOB) commander, a Major, three soldiers, and a hunter during an attack on a military formation in Mayanti, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Daily Trust that the casualties occurred during a coordinated night assault on the forward base on Sunday.
The unit commander, identified as Major IU Mairiga, was said to have mounted strong resistance against the attackers but was eventually overwhelmed after some of his men reportedly retreated into nearby bush paths.
“The unit commander gave the terrorists a good fight, but he was overwhelmed after some soldiers fled. He died a brave soldier and neutralised many of them before he was overpowered,” the source said.
The source added that reinforcements later arrived at the scene and recovered Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs), anti-aircraft weapons, and PKT machine guns, while several insurgents’ bodies were seen around the base.
“If not for the withdrawal of some of his men, he would have successfully repelled the attack,” he added.
It was gathered that the slain Major had been posted to the FOB less than four months earlier following a special promotion.
Three civilians engaged in reconstruction activities in the village were reportedly injured in the crossfire, while military vehicles and other equipment at the base were set ablaze by the attackers.
Meanwhile, troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, said they killed scores of Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters during failed attacks on Mayanti, Gajigana, and Gajiram communities.
In a statement, the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said troops repelled coordinated assaults carried out between February 28 and March 1, 2026, and recovered heavy weapons and ammunition.
He confirmed that one officer “paid the supreme price,” while several insurgents were neutralised and substantial combat equipment was seized.
Uba further stated that troops have continued offensive operations across Sector II, dismantling terrorist logistics hubs, arresting two ISWAP logistics suppliers, and recovering arms, ammunition, and medical supplies.
He stressed that all affected locations remain under firm military control, adding that the volume of recovered weapons indicates a significant weakening of insurgent combat capacity.
