Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), operating under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have successfully repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, dealing a significant blow to the insurgent group in the Buratai axis of Borno State.
Military sources disclosed that the attack occurred in the early hours of Friday, June 19, when ISWAP militants launched coordinated assaults on troops’ positions at Dusten Kura and along Chara Road in Biu Local Government Area.
However, troops, reportedly acting on credible intelligence, quickly detected the insurgents’ movements and responded swiftly with a coordinated counter-offensive involving both ground forces and air support.
The Nigerian Air Force, operating as part of the OPHK Air Component, played a decisive role in the operation. Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms were deployed to monitor the advancing insurgents, while precision strike aircraft targeted their positions. The integrated air and ground response disrupted the attackers’ offensive, inflicted heavy casualties, and forced them to retreat in disarray.
Military authorities stated that no casualties were recorded among the troops during the engagement, while the terrorists suffered significant losses in personnel and equipment.
The successful operation highlights the high level of preparedness and combat effectiveness of OPHK forces, as well as the growing synergy between ground troops and air assets in ongoing counter-insurgency operations across the North-East.
The Theatre Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on insurgent groups and denying them freedom of action in the region. It also emphasized efforts to ensure the safety of civilians and restore stability in affected communities.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and continue providing timely intelligence to security forces to support ongoing operations.
Operation Hadin Kai reiterated that it will maintain aggressive offensives aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and achieving lasting peace in the North-East.
