Troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled attempted terrorist attacks on Azir Bridge and Banki in Borno State. The military troops announced the victory on Friday, March 13, 2026.
Intense firefights erupted at dawn, with soldiers using drones and artillery to neutralize insurgents crossing from Sambisa Forest hideouts.
No troop casualties reported amid bolstered defenses.
Local leaders praised the swift response, preventing potential border breaches into Cameroon.
Operation continues, disrupting Boko Haram logistics in volatile northeast Nigeria heartland.
JTF: Insurgents’ Dawn Assault on Borno Positions Repelled
The Joint Task Force disclosed that the attacks occurred in the early hours of Friday when insurgents advanced in large numbers towards troops’ positions in the two locations.
Reports reveal the incident details appeared in a statement issued by Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North-East), Lt. Col. Sani Uba. It detailed tactical triumphs Friday.
Uba confirmed troops neutralized dozens of terrorists wielding RPGs and IEDs during assaults on strategic border crossings.
Reinforcements arrived swiftly, securing perimeters effectively.
The disclosure boosts morale amid ongoing counter-insurgency, highlighting coordinated air-ground operations.
Communities near Maiduguri express relief at thwarted threats to vital infrastructure links.
Terrorists Launch Coordinated Assaults on Azir, Banki Troops
According to the statement, the terrorists launched coordinated assaults on troops stationed at Azir Bridge in Sector 2 and Banki in Sector 1 of the theatre of operations.
However, the attackers reportedly met stiff resistance from soldiers who were on high alert.
“The terrorists, who advanced in large numbers in a desperate attempt to overrun the locations, were met with swift and overwhelming resistance from vigilant troops,” the statement said.
The military noted that the troops responded with coordinated counter-attacks which disrupted the insurgents’ formation and forced them to retreat.
The military also revealed that air support played a crucial role in repelling the attacks.
Hadin Kai Air Support Crushes Insurgent Offensive
According to the statement, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai carried out close air support operations, which significantly weakened the insurgents’ offensive.
“The engagements were further reinforced by effective close air support from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, which contributed significantly to the successful defeat of the attackers,” the statement added.
Coordinated ground and air operations forced terrorists into disarray, preventing capture of targeted Azir Bridge and Banki locations.
Drones pinpointed fighters, artillery shattered their advance formations ruthlessly.
Troops pursued retreating insurgents deep into surrounding scrublands, destroying vehicles laden with ammunition and explosives caches.
Superior firepower turned tide decisively in dawn clashes.
Communities hail the repulsion as major win against Boko Haram resurgence attempts.
Military troops patrols intensify, safeguarding trade routes vital for Borno’s economic recovery efforts.
JTF Debunks Online Terrorist Takeover Claims
The Joint Task Force also dismissed reports circulating on some online platforms claiming that terrorists had taken control of the affected areas.
The military described the reports as false and misleading propaganda aimed at creating panic among the public.
“These failed attacks clearly contradict the misleading propaganda and false reports circulating on some online media platforms,” the statement said.
It added that troops remained firmly in control of the locations and continued to maintain security in the affected areas.
Hadin Kai Reassures Northeast on Anti-Terror Commitment
Statements urge calm, promising sustained patrols and intelligence dominance.
Communities in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa welcome vows of protection after recent repulsions at border hotspots.
Markets reopen, signaling renewed faith in security apparatus.
Commanders deploy advanced surveillance tech alongside community tip-offs, vowing total eradication of Boko Haram remnants.
Residents urged to report suspicious movements promptly for swift action.
Clearance sweeps target hidden cells methodically.
Engineers Rebuild Bridges, Schools Post-Kinetic Wins
Rebuilding efforts follow kinetic actions, with engineers repairing bridges and schools in liberated villages.
Humanitarian convoys deliver food, medicine to long-suffering displaced populations.
Troops train local vigilantes, fostering self-reliance while dismantling financing networks sustaining terror groups.
Vision: Prosperous, secure region free from fear and economic stagnation.
Military urged public to disregard misinformation and continue supporting security agencies in the fight against terrorism.
Social media rumors undermine hard-won gains, officials warn firmly.
Citizens provide vital intelligence tips via hotlines, leading to successful ambushes on terrorist convoys.
Collaboration proves essential for dismantling networks in remote border zones.
Authorities debunk false narratives of surrenders or defeats swiftly through verified channels.
United front promises victory, calling for vigilance and patriotism in information warfare.
