Borno Under Siege: Troops Decimate Terrorist Ranks, Recoup Weapons After Failed Attack

The Nigerian military, operating under the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), successfully thwarted a significant attack by Boko Haram terrorists on Kukawa town in Borno State. Through a meticulously coordinated ground and air response, the military effectively eliminated numerous terrorists during the fierce engagement, thereby further degrading the fighting capability and mobility of the notorious terrorist group.

The initial attack occurred at approximately 2250 hours on August 28, 2026, when terrorists launched an assault on troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion deployed at Kukawa. The troops responded swiftly and decisively with effective direct and indirect fire, successfully repelling the attack and compelling the terrorists to withdraw towards the Cross Kauwa axis. During this engagement, several terrorists were neutralized, with others observed sustaining gunshot wounds as they fled the area. Subsequent exploitation operations by the ground troops led to the recovery of terrorist corpses, unequivocally confirming the casualties inflicted during the encounter.

As the terrorists attempted to withdraw towards Cross Kauwa on motorcycles, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai was promptly coordinated to interdict their movement. Despite challenging weather conditions, the Air Component successfully engaged terrorists who were attempting to take cover under trees, neutralizing an estimated 10 terrorists during this phase of the operation.

Leveraging advanced intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) tracked approximately 20 motorcycles conveying fleeing terrorists towards the Tunbuns/Kangarwa axis. This critical intelligence enabled the Air Component to conduct a follow-up precision strike, resulting in the neutralization of an additional 15 terrorists and the destruction of 10 motorcycles. This targeted action significantly degraded the terrorists’ mobility and overall fighting capability.

During subsequent ground exploitation operations, troops recovered two additional motorcycles, neutralized another terrorist, and secured an assortment of ammunition and other essential items. Four personnel sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the intense engagement; however, they were promptly evacuated by air for medical attention and are reported to be in stable condition.

Following the successful repulsion of the attack, troops were immediately replenished by air with essential combat enablers to sustain operational effectiveness and maintain continuous pressure on the terrorists. Troops subsequently commenced reorganisation and extensive exploitation of the area, with battle damage assessment and further evaluation of the encounter ongoing. In a follow-up operation conducted on September 2, 2026, during exploitation operations in the Alagarno axis, north-east of Kukawa, OPHK troops recovered additional items belonging to the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists. These items included additional motorcycles, three blankets, a jackknife, an extra-large prayer mat, cups, tea-making items, a rope, a head warmer, and a pair of trousers stained with blood, among other personal effects. These bloodstained clothing and abandoned items further corroborated that the fleeing terrorists had suffered heavy casualties and were compelled to abandon their equipment and belongings during their retreat.

The coordinated ground and air actions effectively disrupted the terrorist attack, interdicted their withdrawal, and further degraded their ability to regroup or conduct sustained operations within the area. The successful defense of Kukawa once again demonstrates Operation Hadin Kai’s robust capacity to detect, contain, and decisively respond to terrorist threats through the effective integration of ground forces, air assets, and intelligence capabilities. It also underscores the unwavering resilience, courage, and professionalism of the troops operating across the theatre. The Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, remains resolute in sustaining offensive operations, intelligence-led surveillance, and coordinated ground and air actions to systematically degrade terrorist capabilities, deny them freedom of action, and protect communities across the North-east, thereby consolidating recent gains towards restoring lasting peace and security.