Nigerian Troops Neutralize 12 Terrorists in Failed Attack on Military Post

Nigerian troops operating under the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have successfully thwarted an attempted incursion by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram fighters into a military position. The engagement occurred in the early hours of May 22, 2026, in the Kirawa axis, Sector 1 OPHK Area of Responsibility.

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Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance assets, as well as platforms of the Air Component of OPHK and partner forces, provided coordinated support during the operation.

The operation, part of Operation Desert Sanity and Siege Operations, saw suspected terrorists attempting to infiltrate positions held by the 153 Task Force Battalion and allied forces along the Nigeria-Cameroon border. According to Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for JTF (NE) OPHK, the attack was detected promptly and met with a robust response from the troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

Superior firepower was employed, allowing the troops to maintain control of their positions throughout the fierce gun battle. The terrorists were ultimately forced to retreat towards the Cameroon axis, having suffered significant casualties. Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, along with air support from the OPHK Air Component and partner forces, provided crucial coordinated support during the operation.

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Following the engagement, troops confirmed the neutralisation of 12 terrorists, while several others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds, as evidenced by blood trails along their withdrawal routes.

Following the engagement, troops confirmed the neutralization of 12 terrorists. Evidence of further casualties was observed through blood trails along the insurgents' withdrawal routes. Recovered items included AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade systems, ammunition, and a PKT machine gun, significantly degrading the operational capacity of the insurgents in the region.

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Recovered items included AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade systems, ammunition, and a PKT machine gun, further weakening the operational capability of the insurgents in the area.

OPHK troops, in collaboration with the CJTF, are continuing exploitation operations to track down fleeing terrorists and recover any additional arms and equipment. Heightened vigilance is being maintained across the operational area. The Joint Task Force reiterated its unwavering commitment to relentlessly pressuring terrorist groups until they are completely neutralized across the entire theater of operations. The military high command lauded the troops for their bravery, professionalism, and swift action, marking this as the third successful operation within the week and urging them to maintain their operational momentum in the interest of national security.

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The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups until they are completely neutralised across the theatre of operations.