Calm Returns As Security Forces Repel Terrorists Attacks In Borno

Normalcy has returned to Maiduguri and its environs after the Joint Security Forces comprising troops of “Operation Hadin Kai”, the police, civilian joint task force and other security agencies repelled Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists attack on Ajilari Cross, Kofa area on the outskirts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

LEADERSHIP reports that suspected Boko Haram terrorists Sunday midnight attacked a military outpost at Ajilari in Maiduguri.

The attack threw residents of some parts of Maiduguri close to the community into panic.

Many residents of Dala, Bulamari, and Ajilari Cross reportedly fled their homes in search of safety as the situation escalated

A source near the Dala community told our Correspondent that military personnel had told hundreds of people in the area to flee their homes.

“As I am talking to you, people have fled from their homes for their safety, but calm has been restored in Maiduguri after Nigerian Army and Air Force troops successfully repelled a terrorist attack on the outskirts of the city early Monday morning,” the source said.

Meanwhile, an update made available to Journalists by the State’s Police Public Relations Officer ( PPRO ) Nahum Kenneth Dawson, he said following widespread reports of sporadic gunshots and explosions which raised public concern and attracted attention, the Borno State Police Command wished to clarify that the incidents were a result of attempted infiltrations by suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists at Ajilari Cross, Kofa area of outskirt Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Damboa -Maiduguri road, Damboa Local Government Area.

The PPRO said the incidents occurred on 16th March 2026 at about 0000hrs in Ajilari Cross, Kofa (MMC) and 0100hrs along the Damboa–Maiduguri road axis in Damboa LGA, when suspected terrorists attempted to infiltrate the areas.

He said in a swift and coordinated response, joint security operatives who were already on heightened alert engaged the insurgents and successfully repelled the attacks, forcing the terrorists to retreat.

Daso said during the operations, no casualties were recorded among security personnel or civilians.

He however, said the insurgents are believed to have suffered casualties and injuries, adding that though the exact figures are yet to be confirmed.

The statement added that the Commissioner of Police, Borno State Command, reassures residents of the Command’s continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property and maintaining peace across the state.

He further urged members of the public to remain vigilant, avoid spreading unverified information, and continue to support security agencies with timely and credible intelligence.