Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have thwarted an attempted attack by suspected ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists in the Kirawa axis of Sector 1 on May 22, 2026. The assault was repelled under ongoing operations codenamed Operation Desert Sanity and Operation Siege.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, the terrorists tried to infiltrate positions held by troops of the 153 Task Force Battalion and allied forces along the Nigeria–Cameroon border.
The attack was detected early and met with overwhelming firepower from alert soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, who held their ground and contained the assault.
The insurgents were forced to abort their mission and retreated in confusion towards Cameroon, sustaining heavy casualties during the engagement. Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets, alongside air support from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and partner forces, provided coordinated backing throughout the operation.
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Troops confirmed that 12 terrorists were neutralized, while several others were seen retreating with gunshot wounds, evidenced by blood trails along their escape routes. Recovered items included AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade systems, ammunition, and a PKT machine gun, further degrading the group’s combat capability in the area.
Operation HADIN KAI troops, working with the Civilian Joint Task Force, have maintained their positions with heightened vigilance. Exploitation operations are ongoing to track fleeing fighters and recover additional weapons and equipment.
The Joint Task Force reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements until they are completely neutralized across the theatre. The Military High Command commended the troops for their gallantry, professionalism, and swift response, urging them to maintain the momentum in the interest of national security.
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