Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, have repelled coordinated attacks by Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents on military positions in Banki and Azir communities of Borno State.
The insurgents reportedly launched the assaults in the early hours of Friday, March 13, 2026, targeting troops stationed at Azir Bridge in Sector 2 and at Banki in Sector 1.
The attacks, however, were met with fierce resistance as soldiers mounted strong defensive and counter-offensive operations, disrupting the insurgents’ formations and forcing them to retreat.
Confirming the development, the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said several insurgents were neutralised during the separate encounters, while troops also recovered weapons and ammunition.
He added that the operations received close air support from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, which further helped to repel the coordinated assaults.
Banki, located in Bama Local Government Area, shares a border with Cameroon, while Azir in Damboa Local Government Area lies along the strategic Maiduguri–Damboa–Biu Road, a route largely closed for years due to insurgent activities.
According to the task force, troops remain firmly in control of both locations and have continued offensive operations against insurgent elements across the North-East theatre.
The military also reassured residents of its resolve to sustain the fight against insurgency and restore lasting peace in the region.
