OPHK Troops Repel ISWAP Attack and Neutralise 16 Terrorists in Borno Counter-Offensive
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have repelled an attempted attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on a military base in Borno State and subsequently launched a counter-offensive that neutralised 16 terrorists. The operations, carried out between 5 and 9 February 2026, also led to the recovery of weapons and logistics supplies and the rescue of kidnapped civilians. The military said the actions further degraded terrorist capabilities in the North East.
According to military authorities, ISWAP fighters attempted to overrun the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Auno shortly before midnight on 5 February 2026. Troops of Sector 1 responded with what was described as disciplined firepower and tactical precision, successfully repelling the assault. The failed attack forced the insurgents to retreat from the area.
Following the attempted attack, OPHK troops launched a follow-up counter-offensive on 9 February 2026. The operation was conducted along the Komala axis in Konduga Local Government Area in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). The troops pursued the retreating fighters up to the Gidan Kaji axis.
During the engagement, 16 terrorists were neutralised, while several others reportedly fled with severe injuries. Military sources said the sustained pressure disrupted the regrouping efforts of the insurgents and inflicted significant losses on their ranks. The operation was described as a decisive blow to ISWAP elements operating in the area.
Troops also recovered more than 20 bicycles believed to have been used by the terrorists for mobility and supply movement. In addition, a large cache of logistics items, weapons and other operational supplies were seized. The recovered materials were said to be critical to sustaining terrorist activities in the region.
On the same day, troops intercepted suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers along the Bukarti axis. The suspects were reportedly conveying a large quantity of drugs intended for distribution to terrorist fighters. Military authorities stated that the arrest further disrupted ISWAP’s supply chains and weakened its operational network.
In a related development on 9 February 2026, troops foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Buratai-Kamuya road. Security forces detected suspicious movements and swiftly pursued the terrorists. The insurgents abandoned their captives and retreated into nearby bushes under pressure from advancing troops.
Two victims, identified as Mallam Idris Adamu and Mallam Muhammadu Safiyanu, were rescued during the operation. They were subsequently reunited with their families in Buratai. Military officials said the swift response prevented further harm to the victims.
Also on 9 February 2026, troops responded to a distress call along the Chibok-Damboa axis. The intervention led to the successful rescue of nine kidnapped individuals. The victims were freed without reported casualties during the operation.
The military stated that the series of operations highlights its continued commitment to protecting civilians and maintaining security across the North East. Authorities noted that sustained offensive actions and rapid response to threats remain central to dismantling terrorist networks in the region.
Operation HADIN KAI has maintained intensified ground and coordinated operations aimed at neutralising insurgent elements and cutting off their logistics routes. The recent counter-offensive and arrests are part of ongoing efforts to deny terrorists freedom of movement and access to supplies.
Military officials reaffirmed their determination to sustain pressure on ISWAP and other terrorist groups operating in Borno and neighbouring states. They emphasised that collaboration with local security stakeholders, including the Civilian Joint Task Force, remains vital in achieving lasting stability.
The latest operations come amid continued efforts by security forces to consolidate gains against insurgent groups in the North East. Authorities say further operations will be conducted to ensure the safety of communities and prevent future attacks on military formations and civilian targets.
Operation HADIN KAI reiterated its commitment to dismantling terrorist strongholds and restoring normalcy across affected areas. The military urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies to support ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
