Troops of the Nigerian military under Operation Hadin Kai have recorded major operational successes in Borno State, neutralising 16 terrorists, rescuing 11 kidnapped victims, and arresting suspected logistics suppliers linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The development was disclosed in an official statement issued on February 10, 2026, by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).
According to the statement, the latest successes followed a coordinated counter-offensive launched by troops in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), after an earlier failed attack by ISWAP fighters on a military base in Konduga Local Government Area.
The military explained that the chain of events began late on February 5, 2026, when ISWAP terrorists attempted to attack the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Auno, located under Sector 1 of the operation. The attack, which occurred shortly before midnight, was successfully repelled by Nigerian troops through what was described as disciplined firepower and effective tactical deployment.
Building on the momentum of that defensive success, OPHK troops launched a deliberate follow-up operation on February 9, targeting fleeing terrorists along the Komala axis of Konduga Local Government Area. The counter-offensive, conducted jointly with CJTF operatives familiar with the terrain, forced the insurgents to retreat further toward the Gidan Kaji axis.
During the engagement, troops neutralised 16 terrorists, while several others reportedly escaped with severe injuries. The military said the operation significantly weakened the terrorists’ fighting capability and disrupted their movement across the area.
In addition to neutralising the insurgents, troops recovered a large cache of items believed to be critical to terrorist operations. These included more than 20 bicycles commonly used by insurgents for mobility, as well as weapons, supplies, and various logistics materials.
On the same day, troops also recorded a breakthrough against ISWAP’s supply chain. Along the Bukarti axis, security forces arrested suspected logistics suppliers who were allegedly transporting a large quantity of drugs intended for terrorist elements. The military described the arrest as a major blow to ISWAP’s support network, noting that such supplies are often used to sustain fighters and facilitate prolonged operations.
Beyond combat operations, OPHK troops also responded to multiple incidents involving civilian safety. On February 9, soldiers foiled an attempted kidnapping along the Buratai–Kamuya road after detecting suspicious terrorist activity in the area. Swift pursuit by the troops forced the assailants to abandon their captives and flee into nearby bushes.
Two victims, identified as Mallam Idris Adamu and Mallam Muhammadu Safiyanu, were rescued during the operation and later reunited with their families in Buratai.
In a related development on the same day, troops responded to a distress call along the Chibok–Damboa axis, where terrorists had reportedly abducted several civilians. Following a rapid intervention, nine kidnapped victims were successfully rescued without casualties.
The military described the series of operations as part of its ongoing efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities, dismantle logistics and support networks, and protect civilians across the North East.
“These actions underscore Operation HADIN KAI’s continued commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts, safeguarding lives, and restoring stability in the region,” the statement noted.
Operation Hadin Kai remains Nigeria’s primary counter-insurgency mission in the North East, where troops continue to confront ISWAP and other extremist groups through offensive operations, intelligence-led patrols, and cooperation with local security groups.
Military authorities reaffirmed their resolve to sustain pressure on terrorist elements, prevent attacks on military formations and civilian communities, and ensure that perpetrators and their collaborators are denied freedom of action across the theatre of operations.
Source: Africa Publicity
