…troops once again demonstrated operational superiority by repelling an ISWAP attack
BORNO, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have neutralised 16 fleeing terrorists after pursuing them to the Gidan Kaji axis along the Maiduguri–Damboa road, forcing many others to escape with serious injuries.
During the operation, the troops recovered more than 20 bicycles, a substantial cache of logistics materials, weapons and other supplies vital to terrorist activities in Borno State.
In related operations, troops rescued 11 persons kidnapped by Boko Haram/ISWAP across different locations within the theatre of operations. They also arrested suspected ISWAP logistics couriers transporting a large quantity of drugs intended for terrorists around the Bukarti axis.
The achievements were disclosed in a statement issued Wednesday by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba.
According to the statement, army operatives once again demonstrated operational superiority by repelling an ISWAP attack before launching a decisive counter-offensive that significantly weakened the terrorists’ capabilities and disrupted their supply networks.
The statement noted that on February 5, 2026, just before midnight, ISWAP fighters attempted to attack the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Auno but were repelled by Sector 1 troops through coordinated and precise firepower.
Building on that success, troops, working alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force, launched a counter-attack on February 9, 2026, along the Komala axis in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State. The pursuit extended to the Gidan Kaji axis, where 16 terrorists were killed and several others fled with injuries.
The troops also intercepted suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers on the same day, seizing a large quantity of drugs allegedly meant for the insurgents.
At about 5:20 p.m. on February 9, troops thwarted a kidnap attempt along the Buratai–Kamuya–Biu road. After detecting the terrorists, soldiers pursued them, forcing them to abandon their captives and retreat into nearby bushes. Two victims, Mallam Idris Adamu and Mallam Muhammadu Safiyanu, were rescued and reunited with their families in Buratai.
Additionally, following a distress call along the Chibok–Damboa axis on the same day, troops successfully rescued nine other kidnapped victims.
Uba stated that the operations highlight OPHK’s sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, protect civilians and support humanitarian initiatives across the North East.
