RismadarVoice Reporters, May 23, 2026
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have successfully repelled an attempted attack by suspected ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists in the Kirawa axis of Borno State, killing 12 insurgents.
The attack occurred in the early hours of May 22, 2026, when terrorists reportedly attempted to infiltrate a military location held by troops of the 153 Task Force Battalion along the Nigeria–Cameroon border.
In a statement, the military said the attackers were swiftly detected and engaged with “overwhelming firepower” by alert troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), forcing them to withdraw in disarray towards the Cameroon axis.
The terrorists were said to have suffered heavy casualties during the encounter, with intelligence and surveillance reports confirming that at least 12 of them were neutralised, while others escaped with gunshot wounds, as indicated by blood trails along their withdrawal route.
The operation was supported by intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets as well as air component platforms under OPHK and partner forces.
Troops also recovered several weapons, including AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) systems, ammunition, and a PKT machine gun, further degrading the operational capacity of the insurgents in the area.
Following the encounter, troops have continued to maintain strong defensive positions while exploitation operations are ongoing to track fleeing terrorists and recover additional equipment.
The military high command commended the troops for their swift response, professionalism, and gallantry, describing the operation as part of sustained efforts to maintain pressure on terrorist groups in the North East theatre.
