…“Although one of the brave soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice, the wounded personnel are receiving treatment
BORNO, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Soldiers of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have neutralised 25 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, lost one soldier, and recorded several injuries while thwarting coordinated attacks in Limankara and Kukawa areas of Borno State.
The attacks, which occurred on the night of February 20, 2026, were launched from different fronts but were decisively repelled, highlighting increasing military pressure on terrorist enclaves, supply routes, and command structures in the region.
The Media Information Officer of JTF OPHK, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, disclosed that soldiers carried out targeted operations in Lamusheri Village, Gujba LGA, identified as a major terrorist stronghold and logistics base. He said 15 insurgents were killed during the raid, defensive fortifications were destroyed, and a cache of arms, ammunition, and vehicles was either recovered or destroyed. Several others reportedly fled with gunshot wounds.
Earlier, insurgents had attempted to breach the Forward Operating Base in Limankara. However, vigilant troops engaged them in an intense gun battle, supported by air assets, forcing the attackers to retreat with casualties. No soldiers were injured in that encounter, Uba stated.
In Kukawa, terrorists staged a coordinated assault from multiple directions using gun trucks, motorcycles, and foot soldiers. Soldiers mounted a robust defence backed by air strikes, destroying one gun truck and five motorcycles while eliminating 10 additional fighters. Weapons, loaded magazines, communication radios, stretchers, and shallow graves abandoned by the fleeing insurgents were recovered after the clash.
Uba praised the troops for their bravery, professionalism, and tactical efficiency, noting that the recent operations have further weakened terrorist capabilities in the North East. He said the sustained offensives indicate mounting pressure on insurgent groups.
He added that ongoing synergy between ground forces and air components continues to restrict terrorists’ movements, disrupt their supply chains, and force them into disorganised retreats, thereby improving security for local communities.
“Although one brave soldier made the ultimate sacrifice, the wounded personnel are receiving treatment and remain in stable condition. The Armed Forces remain committed to dismantling terrorist networks, safeguarding civilians, and restoring enduring peace and stability across Borno State and the wider North East,” Uba said.
