Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have repelled an attempted attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and launched a counter-offensive that resulted in the neutralisation of 16 insurgents and the recovery of logistics supplies in Borno State.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the terrorists attempted to overrun the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Auno on February 5, 2026, shortly before midnight. Troops of Sector 1 successfully thwarted the assault with what the military described as disciplined firepower and tactical precision.
Following the failed attack, troops, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), launched a counter-offensive on February 9 along the Komala axis in Konduga Local Government Area. The operation extended to the Gidan Kaji axis, where troops engaged retreating insurgents, neutralising 16 of them while others reportedly fled with injuries.
The troops also recovered more than 20 bicycles, weapons, and a cache of logistics items and supplies believed to be critical to the terrorists’ operations. On the same day, security forces arrested suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers allegedly transporting a large quantity of drugs intended for insurgents around the Bukarti axis.
In a related development, troops foiled a kidnap attempt along the Buratai–Kamuya road. After detecting suspicious movements, security personnel pursued the assailants, forcing them to abandon their captives and retreat into nearby bushes. Two victims, identified as Mallam Idris Adamu and Mallam Muhammadu Safiyanu, were rescued and reunited with their families in Buratai.
Similarly, troops responded to a distress call along the Chibok–Damboa axis on February 9, rescuing nine kidnapped victims.
The military said the operations underscore OPHK’s continued efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt logistics channels, and enhance the protection of civilians across the North East region.
