Tension has gripped Gajiram, headquarters of Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State, following an alleged attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in the community.
The attack reportedly occurred on Thursday evening, September 17, when insurgents advanced towards the military position, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire with troops. 
Unconfirmed reports cited by local sources claimed that seven soldiers were killed during the confrontation. The sources also alleged that the insurgents briefly overran parts of the base and set fire to a military gun truck and other logistics before reinforcements and air support arrived.
However, the military’s account did not confirm the reported seven fatalities.
In a statement, the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, said troops detected the terrorists as they advanced towards FOB Gajiram, with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support from the Multinational Joint Task Force.
According to the military, troops immediately adopted defensive positions while the Air Component launched close air support operations, forcing the attackers to withdraw from the area.
The military also disclosed that a separate attack was launched later that night against FOB Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area.
Troops reportedly repelled the assault, while subsequent operations led to the recovery of four bodies believed to be those of the attacking terrorists. Security forces also recovered AK-47 rifles, ammunition, RPG bombs and other military equipment.
The reported death of seven soldiers in the Gajiram attack remains unverified, as the military statement reviewed did not provide a corresponding casualty figure.
Gajiram and surrounding communities in northern Borno have repeatedly come under attack from Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing troops and residents in the region.
