Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have repelled an attempted attack by suspected ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists on a military position in Kirawa, along the Nigeria–Cameroon border in Borno State.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Thursday, 22 May 2026, when terrorists reportedly attempted to infiltrate positions occupied by troops of the 153 Task Force Battalion and allied forces under Operation DESERT SANITY and SIEGE OPERATIONS.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Sani Uba, on Saturday.
According to the statement, the assault was quickly detected by troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who responded with what officials described as “overwhelming firepower,” forcing the insurgents to retreat towards the Cameroon axis.
The military confirmed that at least 12 terrorists were neutralised during the encounter, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Troops reportedly discovered blood trails along the withdrawal routes of the fleeing fighters.
Recovered items from the scene include AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, ammunition, and a PKT machine gun.
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The military said the seizure of the weapons would further weaken the operational capacity of the insurgents in the area.
Air and ground coordination played a significant role in the operation, with Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, alongside the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and partner forces, providing support throughout the engagement.
Troops have since intensified exploitation and clearance operations in the area to track fleeing terrorists and recover additional weapons and equipment.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups operating in the North-East theatre, assuring residents that efforts to restore lasting peace and security remain ongoing.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their “gallantry, professionalism and swift response,” describing the successful defence as the third major operational success recorded within the week.
