Tension has been reported in Gajiram, headquarters of Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State, following an alleged attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in the community.
According to reports, the attackers struck the military position on Thursday evening, engaging troops in a fierce gun battle. Unofficial sources cited in the report claimed that seven soldiers were killed during the confrontation.
The sources further alleged that the insurgents temporarily overran parts of the base and set fire to a military gun truck and other logistics before reinforcements and air support arrived.
However, the latest military account provides a different description of the incident. The Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, said terrorists advancing towards FOB Gajiram on September 17 were detected early with support from Multinational Joint Task Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets. Troops subsequently adopted defensive measures while the Air Component provided close air support, forcing the attackers to withdraw.
The military also reported a separate attack on FOB Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area later that night. According to the military, troops repelled the attack, while subsequent operations led to the recovery of four terrorists’ bodies, AK-47 rifles, ammunition, RPG bombs and other items.
The reported seven-soldier death toll at Gajiram has not been confirmed in the military statement reviewed, making the casualty figure subject to further verification.
Gajiram, located in northern Borno, has previously experienced attacks linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP, underscoring the continuing security challenges in the region.
