Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have repelled coordinated terrorist attacks in parts of Borno State and sustained offensive operations that resulted in the neutralisation of several fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Confirming the report, Media Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI Lieut. Col. Sani Uba, the attacks, which occurred on the night of February 20, 2026, targeted troops’ positions in Limankara and Kukawa. Military authorities said the assaults were successfully foiled, with the terrorists forced into retreat after intense engagements.
In a related development, troops under Sector 2 of Operation HADIN KAI, operating within the framework of Operation DESERT SANITY V, conducted a precision offensive in the early hours of February 22 around Lamusheri Village in Gujba Local Government Area. The location had been identified through sustained intelligence gathering, satellite imagery and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms as a key terrorist logistics hub and staging ground.
Despite encountering resistance on approach, troops, working in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, outmanoeuvred the insurgents and blocked their withdrawal routes. Fifteen terrorists were neutralised during the firefight, while others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds. Defensive structures and logistics assets at the site were destroyed, including five tricycles and two vehicles allegedly used for attacks. Arms, ammunition, bandoliers and other military stores were also recovered.
On the same night, terrorists attempted to infiltrate the Forward Operating Base in Limankara. Alert troops engaged the attackers in a firefight, supported by rapid reinforcements and air assets from the Air Component Command. The assailants were forced to withdraw. Military sources reported no casualties or equipment losses among the troops during the encounter.
Similarly, in Kukawa, terrorists mounted on gun trucks and motorcycles launched a multi-pronged assault from the Alagarno and Jemmu axes. Troops mounted a coordinated defence, engaging the attackers in a prolonged exchange that extended into the early hours of February 21. Backed by air support, ground forces repelled the attack. One terrorist gun truck was destroyed in a precision air strike, while additional strikes targeted fleeing fighters on motorcycles.
Subsequent exploitation operations led to the recovery of 13 AK-47 rifles, 16 loaded magazines, three handheld radios and other items, including stretchers reportedly used by the insurgents. Security forces also identified shallow graves and blood trails in the area.
However, the military confirmed that one soldier was killed in action, while some equipment was damaged during the engagements. Wounded personnel were evacuated by Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters and are reported to be in stable condition.
The Military High Command commended the troops for what it described as a coordinated and effective response across multiple fronts, reaffirming its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements operating in the North-East.
