There may be no doubt that the year 2026 may not be a year of good record for some men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, AFN as multiple reports and official statements have confirmed that some numbers of Nigeria soldiers have been killed by Islamic State of West Africa Province, Iswap, since the beginning of this year, thus, the multiple reports suggest; more than 180 Nigeria soldiers may have been killed in just 73 days into this new year 2026, which further indicated that an average of 2 to 3 soldiers are being killed daily in Nigeria by the Iswap terrorists who appeared to have increased their daily offensive attacks on Nigeria soldiers since the US-Israel joint war against Iran began on February 28, 2026, although some close watchers accused the Nigeria military of always downplaying or reporting a very lower numbers of Troops casualties, but, the Nigeria Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa stated and confirmed during the week after security chiefs held a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja that a lots of Nigeria soldiers has been lost, but he insisted that contrary to some reports by the media, the terrorists and bandits are taking more casualties, specifically stating; “their  commanders are being killed everyday, we are sure of victory”, and some reports also suggest that the Iswap terrorists are increasingly using armed drones for asymmetric warfare and high-end tech like night vision in recent attacks on military bases in Nigeria with some foreigners joining the Nigeria Iswap fighters to launch a Ramadan campaign that saw Iswap overrunning some military bases in Konduga, Mainok, Jakana, and Marte areas of Borno State, with local media reports stating approximately 40 soldiers were killed, while Iswap in a press release claimed to have killed 16 in the initial assault and another 20 in a subsequent suicide bombing, on March 4, 2026, at least 14 soldiers were reportedly killed during attacks on military bases in Ngoshe and other parts of Borno State, between February 15 and 18, 2026, multiple reports confirmed 8 soldiers were killed and 23 injured at a base in Cross Kauwa in the Kukawa local government area of Borno state, another 6 soldiers were reportedly killed in Biu Local government area, earlier in January 2026; at least 20 soldiers were killed in an attack on a remote base in Malam-Fatori, and 8 others were killed in a separate ambush earlier in the month, this, former Nigeria Presidential candidate in the last concluded general elections in the West Africa country, Peter Obi in a worded statement during the week, said; “Our nation is clearly under siege, and the scale of insecurity is becoming unbearable spreading widely all over the country, this week alone in Borno State’s Ngoshe community, terrorists overpowered soldiers, killing them and several citizens, while abducting more than 100 women and children yet our leaders are silent”.

Nigerian Army in press release signed and made available on March 14, 2026 by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force in the North East code named Operation Hadin Kai, stated that the Iswap terrorists even made an attempt to kill some Nigeria soldiers today at Bitta community in Gwoza local government area of Borno state but they were resisted.

According to the Army Press Release; “Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation HaDIN KaI, OPHK have once again demonstrated another superior combat readiness and tactical dominance by successfully thwarted a terrorist infiltration attempt at Bitta in Sector 1. The failed attack occurred when IsWAP terrorists, in a desperate bid to regain the initiative after recent battlefield setbacks, attempted to infiltrate the troops location. Unknown to the terrorists, vigilant OPHK troops had anticipated the move and deliberately prepared a decisive offensive-defensive battle plan.

As the terrorists advanced towards the position, the troops launched coordinated spoiling actions that effectively disrupted the assault formation while simultaneously manoeuvring to cut off the terrorists’ withdrawal routes. The attackers were consequently met with overwhelming resistance and superior firepower, forcing them into a chaotic withdrawal while suffering significant losses.

This latest defeat represents the third major blow inflicted on the terrorists within the last twenty-four hours, following their failed attacks at Banki and Azir Bridge. These successive setbacks further highlight the continued operational pressure being mounted by the troops of Operation HaDIN KaI across the theatre, which has severely constrained the terrorists’ freedom of action and denied them any opportunity to exploit propaganda narratives.

Troops remain firmly in control of all locations and continue to dominate the operational environment with high morale, superior tactical coordination and sustained offensive action. The Military High Command commended the troops for their continuous gallantry and resilience, urging them to sustain the operational tempo”.

Peter Obi in the worded statement titled: “Politics in front as insecurity spreads”, said “Our nation is clearly under siege, and the scale of insecurity is becoming unbearable spreading widely all over the country. This week alone in Borno State’s Ngoshe community, terrorists overpowered soldiers, killing them and several citizens, while abducting more than 100 women and children yet our leaders are silent.

The sacrifice of our brave and dedicated soldiers is passed in silence. I look forward to the day when our fallen soldiers are given the dignified burials they deserve, with their bodies received and honoured by the nation’s leaders and political authorities. From Nasarawa, Kogi and Benue, residents are screaming that terrorists now flock to their farms and forests, disrupting economic activities, forcing entire villages to flee in fear. In Nasarawa’s Kadarko area alone, 14,318 civilians are now registered as internally displaced persons (IDPs).

In Oyo State, travellers were abducted in the dead of night along the Kishi‑Igbeti road, their whereabouts still unknown. In Ondo State, criminals shot at, abducted and wounded innocent citizens. And in Kebbi State, terrorists are on a rampage, killing officers and citizens, making it the third deadly attack this month.

The wave of terror has now brazenly crept into our nation’s capital. The attack in Kubwa, Abuja, just this week, about 19 citizens were abducted from their homes, including women and children. This is yet another grim reminder that insecurity is no longer distant but now a norm. These are national tragedies happening simultaneously all over our country, claiming the lives of civilians and security operatives alike.

The primary responsibility of any government is to secure the lives and property of its citizens. Yet, the response from the government in power to all the incidents has been dead SiLENCE, as if Nigerian lives no longer matter. The ruling class are instead devastatingly more preoccupied with how to snatch, grab, and run away with the next election.

These are not just news items, Nigerians deserve commitment and leadership that puts their safety and welfare first. It is time to restore security, dignity, and hope to every corner of this nation. A New Nigeria is Possible”.

Punch Newspaper during the week also reported that “Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have reoccupied a military base, previously attacked and occupied by terrorists in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State

Online PuNCH on March 5 had reported that the terrorists burned down the base, dispersed soldiers, and killed an undetermined number of civilians before abducting over 300 residents.

However, in a statement released on Thursday, the Media Information Officer, Northeast Joint Taskforce operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sanni Uba, said troops thwarted the attack and neutralised many insurgents

The statement which copy is in possession of Arewa PuNCH read in parts: “Troops of the Nigerian Army under the Joint Task Force North East Operation HaDIN KaI have successfully thwarted a terrorist attack on a military location in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, restoring control of the position after a swift counter-offensive.

“The terrorists had earlier attacked the location occupied by troops of OPHK on 3 March 2026. However, reinforcement teams drawn from Forward Operating Base Pulka and 151 Battalion were immediately mobilised to reinforce the position.

The statement added that during the reinforcement operation, the leading Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle encountered an Improvised Explosive Device, which damaged two tyres. “Undeterred, troops continued the advance to the location,” it explained.

The Army Colonel further disclosed that, “a special reinforcement team led by the Commander 26 Task Force Brigade, Gwoza, under Sector 1 OPHK, Brigadier General Nasirudeen Abdullahi, subsequently arrived at the scene, coordinated a counter-attack and successfully thwarted terrorists, forcing them to withdraw from the area”

During the pursuit and exchange of fire, Sanni said the troops recovered three AK-47 rifles and a General Purpose Machine Gun barrel from the fleeing terrorists. “Equally, the Air Component of OPHK rendered heavy air support to the operation and neutralised scores of the terrorists,” he added

Sanni stressed that following the successful reoccupation of the location and subsequent exploitation of the area, Brigadier General Abdullahi addressed the troops, commending their gallantry and resilience while urging them to sustain aggressive operations in the area to further degrade terrorist elements operating within the general area.

“Troops of OPHK remain resolute in their determination to deny terrorists freedom of action and will continue to conduct aggressive operations to ensure lasting peace, security and economic stability across the North East,” the Army spokesperson added.

“Troops’ morale remains high, and operations are ongoing. The Military High Command hailed the troops for their gallantry and resilience while urging them to sustain the operational tempo,” he pointed out.

PuNCH recently reported that the Media Information Officer, Northeast Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sanni Uba, said troops neutralised several terrorists while responding to multiple coordinated attacks across the state recently

The terrorists, according to him, attacked the military locations in Delwa, Goniri, Kukawa, and Mainok. “The attacks, which occurred during the night of Sunday, 8, and Monday, 9, of March 2026, were mounted simultaneously from several directions in an apparent attempt by the terrorists to overwhelm troops’ positions.”

According to him, “the gallant troops, undeterred by the intensity of the assaults and the heavy firepower employed by the terrorists, were firm and responded with exceptional determination.

“Fighting across multiple fronts, the troops effectively coordinated their defensive actions while reinforcements and the Air Component of Operation HaDIN KaI provided timely and decisive support during the engagements.

“The terrorists were consequently met with overwhelming resistance and were forced into withdrawal after suffering significant casualties from several terrorist bodies left behind,” he disclosed further.