Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), under Operation DESERT SANITY and SIEGE OPERATIONS, have successfully repelled an attempted attack by suspected ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists on a military position in the Kirawa area of Sector 1 OPHK in the early hours of May 22, 2026.
According to military sources, the terrorists attempted to infiltrate positions occupied by troops of the 153 Task Force Battalion and other allied forces along the Nigeria-Cameroon border. However, vigilant troops, supported by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), quickly detected the movement and responded with intense firepower, preventing the attackers from advancing.
The failed assault forced the terrorists to retreat in disarray towards the Cameroon border after suffering heavy losses during the confrontation. The operation also received coordinated support from Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets, as well as air platforms of the OPHK Air Component and partner forces.
Following the encounter, troops confirmed that 12 terrorists were neutralised, while several others escaped with gunshot injuries, leaving visible blood trails along their escape routes. Security forces also recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition, including AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, ammunition belts, and a PKT machine gun, further weakening the operational strength of the insurgents in the area.
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Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, have remained firmly in control of their positions while sustaining heightened alertness in the area. Exploitation operations are still ongoing to pursue fleeing terrorist elements and recover more weapons and other items left behind.
The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining sustained pressure on terrorist groups until they are completely eliminated across the theatre of operations.
The Military High Command praised the troops for their bravery, professionalism, and swift response to the attack — the third such commendation within the week — and encouraged them to sustain the momentum in the overall interest of national security.
SANI UBA
Lieutenant Colonel
Media Information Officer
Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI
23 May, 2026
