At least four senior operatives of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) have been killed by suspected terrorists in Borno State, Northeast Nigeria.

According to local security sources, the victims include Asiami, the overall Commander of the CJTF in Magumeri Local Government Area, who had been a major target of the jihadists for many years, alongside Gambo, the Secretary, Zarami Arewa, and Abor, a Commander.

The incident occurred as troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) said they have successfully repelled coordinated attacks by Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists on Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) at Gajiram in Nganzai LGA and Mairari in Guzamala LGA.

According to a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) OPHK, Captain Mohammed Goni, on 17 September 2026, terrorists advancing towards FOB Gajiram were detected early by alert troops, supported by Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets and close air support from the Air Component. Faced with stiff resistance, the terrorists withdrew.

In a related attack on FOB Mairari later that night, troops, with robust air support, contained the attack, inflicted casualties on the terrorists and maintained control of the base. Subsequent exploitation led to the recovery of 4 terrorists’ corpses, AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition, RPG bombs and a camcorder. Injured soldiers were stabilised and airlifted to hospital.

The Commander Sector 3 OPHK has since conducted a post-engagement assessment, reinforced the locations and sustained exploitation to prevent regrouping of the terrorists.

In another development, sustained pressure across the theatre forced two JAS terrorists, including a Qaid (commander), to surrender along the Main Supply Route Miyanti–Darel Jamel axis in Bama LGA on 16 September 2026. They surrendered with 3 AK-47 rifles, 5 magazines, a motorcycle and ammunition.

The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East) OPHK, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, commended the troops, MNJTF ISR team and aircrew for their vigilance and effective coordination, and urged remaining terrorists to surrender.

As of the time of filing this report, there is no official confirmation yet on the killing of the CJTF operatives from the authorities.