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 location in Kirawa, Borno State, killing at least 12 insurgents during a fierce gun battle.
The failed attack occurred in the early hours of May 22, 2026, under the ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY and SIEGE OPERATIONS in the Sector 1 area of responsibility along the Nigeria–Cameroon border.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the terrorists attempted to infiltrate positions occupied by troops of the 153 Task Force Battalion and other allied forces.
He said the insurgents were quickly detected and met with “overwhelming firepower” from troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), forcing them to retreat in disarray towards the Cameroon axis after suffering heavy casualties.
“The terrorists were forced to abort their mission and withdraw in confusion towards the Cameroon axis, sustaining heavy casualties during the engagement,” the statement said.
The military disclosed that Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets, alongside air platforms of the OPHK Air Component and partner forces, provided coordinated support throughout the operation.
Following the encounter, troops confirmed the neutralisation of 12 terrorists, while several others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds, as evidenced by blood trails along their withdrawal routes.
Items recovered from the fleeing insurgents include AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade systems, ammunition and a PKT machine gun.
The statement added that troops, in collaboration with the CJTF, have sustained heightened vigilance in the area while exploitation operations continue to track fleeing terrorists and recover more weapons.
The military high command commended the troops for their gallantry, professionalism and swift response, describing the operation as the third successful repulsion of terrorist attacks within the week.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups until they are completely neutralised across the North-East theatre.
