Troops Repel ISWAP Attack, Neutralise 16 Terrorists in Borno Counter-Offensive
Maiduguri, Borno State – Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have successfully repelled an attempted attack by ISWAP terrorists and launched a decisive counter-offensive that led to the neutralisation of 16 insurgents and the recovery of significant logistics in Borno State.
The operation, described as a major tactical success, further disrupted terrorist supply chains and reinforced the military’s ongoing efforts to dismantle insurgent networks across the North East.
According to military sources, the incident began late on 5 February 2026, shortly before midnight, when ISWAP fighters attempted to attack the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Auno. Troops of Sector 1 responded with coordinated firepower and tactical precision, successfully thwarting the assault.
Building on the momentum, troops, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), launched a follow-up counter-offensive on 9 February 2026 along the Komala axis in Konduga Local Government Area. The forces pursued the retreating terrorists up to the Gidan Kaji axis, where 16 insurgents were neutralised, while several others fled with injuries.
During the operation, troops recovered more than 20 bicycles, weapons, and a substantial cache of logistics and supplies believed to be critical to terrorist operations.
In a further blow to ISWAP’s support network, troops on the same day arrested suspected logistics suppliers along the Bukarti axis. The suspects were reportedly conveying a large quantity of drugs intended for the terrorists.
Separately, troops foiled a kidnap attempt along the Buratai–Kamuya road after detecting suspicious movements. The swift response forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and retreat into nearby bushes. Two victims, Mallam Idris Adamu and Mallam Muhammadu Safiyanu, were rescued and safely reunited with their families in Buratai.
In another operation along the Chibok–Damboa axis on 9 February 2026, troops responded to a distress call and successfully rescued nine kidnapped victims.
Military authorities said the series of operations underscores Operation HADIN KAI’s sustained commitment to degrading terrorist capabilities, protecting civilians, and supporting humanitarian efforts in the North East region.
