The Nigerian Army has confirmed that troops under the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, successfully repelled an attempted attack by suspected ISWAP/Boko Haram fighters in the Kirawa axis of Borno State.
According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the headquarters, the incident occurred in the early hours of 22 May 2026 during ongoing operations tagged Operation Desert Sanity and Operation Siege.
The attackers reportedly attempted to infiltrate positions held by troops of the 153 Task Force Battalion along the Nigeria–Cameroon border.
The Army said the assault was quickly detected and met with heavy resistance from alert troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who held their ground and prevented a breach of their position.
The attackers were forced to retreat towards the Cameroon axis after sustaining significant casualties during the exchange of fire.
Military sources stated that intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance assets, and air support from the Operation HADIN KAI air component, alongside partner forces, played a key role in the coordinated response.
Following the operation, troops confirmed that 12 terrorists were neutralised, while others were seen fleeing with gunshot wounds, as indicated by traces of blood along their escape routes.
Items recovered from the scene included AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade systems, ammunition, and a PKT machine gun, which the Army said further weakened the operational capacity of the insurgents in the area.
The statement added that troops, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, have maintained their positions while continuing follow-up operations to track fleeing fighters and recover additional weapons.
The military reiterated its commitment to sustained pressure on terrorist groups across the region until they are fully neutralised, while commending the troops for their swift response and professionalism in repelling the attack.
