Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist attack in Kukawa, Borno State, neutralizing 25 insurgents in a fierce overnight battle supported by air strikes .
According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the Theatre Command, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the terrorists launched the multi-pronged assault at about 11:20 p.m. on February 20, 2026, using gun trucks, motorcycles, and foot soldiers from the Alagarno and Jemmu axes .
“Troops mounted a determined defence, engaging the insurgents in intense combat that lasted into the early hours of Feb. 21 before forcing them to withdraw while dragging away casualties,” the statement read .
Air platforms from the Nigerian Air Force conducted precision strikes, destroying one terrorist gun truck—killing four fighters onboard—and later tracking fleeing insurgents on five motorcycles to a convergence point, where another strike neutralized an additional 10 terrorists .
During follow-up operations, troops recovered 13 AK-47 rifles, 16 loaded magazines, three handheld radios used for insurgent communication, stretchers used to evacuate casualties, and evidence of shallow graves and blood trails left by fleeing terrorists .
Regrettably, one gallant soldier paid the supreme price during the encounter, and some combat enablers were destroyed by rocket fire . Injured personnel were promptly evacuated by Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters and are reported to be in stable condition .
In a related operation under Operation DESERT SANITY V in Gujba LGA, troops neutralized 15 additional terrorists and destroyed logistics assets .
Lt. Col. Uba commended the troops for their courage and professionalism, noting that these failed attacks reflect the growing desperation of terrorist elements under sustained operational pressure . The military high command reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace across the North East region .
Disclaimer: This report is based on official statements from the Nigerian military and multiple news sources as cited. CDA News Nigeria does not independently verify operational claims from conflict zones.
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