Troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled a coordinated attack by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the early hours of Saturday, August 24, 2025, in Gajigana, a town in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to military sources, the attack was launched around 1:30 a.m., with the insurgents targeting a Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) checkpoint in the area. However, the Nigerian troops responded swiftly, engaging the attackers in a gun battle that lasted several minutes.
The fierce resistance by the soldiers forced the terrorists to retreat into the bush. Blood trails were seen along their escape route, indicating that the attackers sustained casualties during the shootout, though the exact number remains unknown.
A CJTF member, identified as Bulama Ngala, was reportedly hit by stray bullets during the exchange of fire. He was rushed to the General Hospital in Gajigana and is currently receiving treatment. Medical personnel say he is in a stable condition and responding well.
Residents of Gajigana were jolted awake by the sound of heavy gunfire as the terrorists attempted to overrun the local security post. But thanks to the coordinated response of troops under Operation Hadin Kai, the attackers were unable to penetrate deeper into the town.
Community leaders said the troops prevented what could have been a deadly attack, especially as the terrorists aimed to destabilize the area and spread fear among civilians.
“We are grateful to the soldiers and our local security men. If not for them, things would have been worse,” said Alhaji Mustapha, a resident of the town.
ISWAP, a splinter group of Boko Haram, has continued to carry out attacks in the North-East, particularly in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. The group, which pledged allegiance to ISIS in 2016, is known for targeting military formations, local security personnel, and civilians.
Though the Nigerian military has recorded significant gains in recent years—especially with the launch of Operation Hadin Kai in 2021—the insurgents still manage to carry out sporadic attacks in remote areas.
Operation Hadin Kai, which replaced Operation Lafiya Dole, is the Nigerian military’s counterinsurgency campaign in the North-East. It includes the Army, Air Force, and Navy, as well as support from local vigilantes and the Civilian Joint Task Force.
Over the past year, several ISWAP camps have been destroyed, and hundreds of fighters have either been killed in combat or surrendered to the authorities.
Military officials continue to call on residents in the North-East to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities in their communities. They say the success of the operation depends not only on the troops but also on strong cooperation with the people.
As of Sunday, no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack in Gajigana, but military intelligence has linked it to ISWAP activities in the Lake Chad region.
