Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled coordinated attacks by suspected ISWAP terrorists on military positions in Buratai, Borno State, following a fierce air and ground battle that left the insurgents with significant casualties.
The attacks occurred in the early hours of Thursday when insurgents launched simultaneous assaults on troops’ locations at Dusten Kura and Chara Road in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area of the state.
However, troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, swiftly detected the attempted incursion and responded with a coordinated counter-offensive supported by the Air Component of the operation.
Confirming the development, the Acting Military Information Officer, Joint Task Force, North East Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri, Capt. Mohammed Goni, said the terrorists were overwhelmed by the superior firepower and operational coordination of the security forces.
“In the early hours of 19 June 2026, ISWAP terrorists launched multiple attacks on troops’ locations at Dusten Kura and Chara Road in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. The alert troops, supported by robust intelligence, promptly detected the incursion and responded with superior firepower in a well-coordinated air and ground counter-attack,” Goni said.
According to him, the timely intervention of the Nigerian Air Force proved decisive in defeating the insurgents and disrupting their offensive.
“The prompt and effective employment of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, particularly Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets as well as precision strike platforms of the Nigerian Air Force, proved decisive,” he stated.
Goni explained that the integration of air and ground forces enabled troops to inflict substantial losses on the terrorists while maintaining control of their positions.
“The precision air support integrated seamlessly with ground forces, disrupted the terrorists’ assault and inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, forcing them to flee in confusion,” he said.
Military authorities disclosed that while the terrorists suffered significant losses in both personnel and equipment, no casualties were recorded among the troops involved in the operation.
“It is worthy to note that no casualties were recorded on own troops, while the terrorists suffered significant losses in personnel and equipment,” Goni added.
He described the latest operation as further evidence of the combat readiness and operational effectiveness of troops deployed under Operation HADIN KAI.
“This latest success underscores the high state of readiness of Operation HADIN KAI troops and the synergy between the ground and air components in maintaining relentless pressure on the terrorists,” he said.
The military spokesman reiterated the commitment of the Theatre Command to sustaining offensive operations against insurgents and denying them freedom of movement across the North-East region.
“The Theatre Command remains committed to denying insurgents freedom of action and ensuring the safety of law-abiding citizens across the North East theatre,” Goni stated.
He also called on residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information that could assist ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
“The public is urged to continue providing timely intelligence to security forces and to remain vigilant. Operation HADIN KAI will continue to sustain aggressive offensive operations to decisively degrade terrorist capabilities and restore lasting peace to the region,” he added.
The latest victory comes amid sustained military offensives against terrorist groups operating in the North-East, with Operation HADIN KAI continuing to intensify coordinated air and ground operations aimed at dismantling insurgent networks, destroying logistics bases and restoring stability across affected communities in the region.
