Troops under Operation Hadin Kai have thwarted an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a military location in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Nigerian Army said the assault occurred on September 7, 2026, as troops continued counter-terrorism operations in the area.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the acting Military Information Officer, North-East Joint Taskforce Operation Hadin Kai, Capt Mohammed Goni, said the troops, backed by the Nigerian Air Force and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), resisted the attack and prevented the terrorists from taking over the military position.
The statement read, “Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation Hadin Kai, supported by the Nigerian Air Force and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have demonstrated remarkable courage and fighting spirit by firmly holding their positions and successfully containing an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a military location in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, on 7 September 2026.
The terrorists launched the attack as troops continued ongoing counter-terrorism operations within the area.”
Goni said the troops’ resistance forced the attackers to abandon their offensive and retreat with casualties, while security forces retained control of military positions across Pulka.
“The troops’ resolute response forced the terrorists to abandon the assault and withdraw from the area with casualties, while military positions across Pulka remained securely under the control of the security forces,” Goni said.
He said the Nigerian Air Force also provided crucial support during the confrontation through intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
“Air assets provided critical Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage, giving ground troops enhanced awareness of the unfolding situation and enabling effective coordination of the response,” he stressed.
According to him, air support was intensified as the terrorists attempted to retreat. The Air Component carried out precision strikes against identified hostile elements, disrupting their withdrawal and limiting their ability to regroup.
READ ALSO: Troops Nab Suspected Kidnapper, Rescue Victim In Benue, Nasarawa
“The Civilian Joint Task Force also played an important supporting role during the operation by providing useful local information and assisting the troops in maintaining situational awareness,” he added.
The military disclosed that one soldier was wounded in the left arm by a gunshot during the encounter. He was evacuated for treatment, stabilised and was responding to medical care in stable condition.
“He was promptly evacuated for medical attention, stabilised and is currently responding to treatment, with his condition reported to be stable,” he stated.
Goni further disclosed that troops launched exploitation operations immediately after the terrorists withdrew. The exercise is aimed at assessing the damage inflicted on the attackers, recovering weapons and equipment abandoned during the assault and gathering intelligence for subsequent operations against the fleeing terrorists.
“The successful defence of the military position once again underscores the determination, bravery and combat readiness of troops of Operation Hadin Kai.
“The military will sustain pressure on the terrorists while taking necessary measures to safeguard the lives and property of law-abiding citizens,” he assured.
The army spokesman urged residents to remain alert and report credible information about suspicious individuals, movements or activities to the nearest security formation.
“The Nigerian military remains steadfast in its resolve to defeat terrorism and other forms of insecurity, protect the territorial integrity of the nation and create the conditions necessary for sustainable peace and stability across the North-East,” Goni said.