Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a coordinated multi-directional assault by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Kukawa, Borno State, neutralising more than 25 terrorists….
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a coordinated multi-directional assault by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Kukawa, Borno State, neutralising more than 25 terrorists.
The terrorists attacked troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion from four different flanks but were met with stiff resistance as soldiers responded with superior firepower, tactical manoeuvres and coordinated ground operations.
The Nigerian Army said the troops, supported by the Air Component, overwhelmed the attackers and forced surviving terrorists to flee.
A preliminary assessment showed that more than 25 terrorists were neutralised, with 14 bodies recovered so far.
During the exploitation of the area, troops also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including six AK-47 rifles.
The Army said further operations were ongoing to recover additional weapons, track the fleeing terrorists and prevent them from regrouping.
However, some soldiers were killed during the encounter.
The Army expressed condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, describing their sacrifice and commitment to duty as a testament to their service to the nation.
The military said the successful repulsion of the assault demonstrated the combat readiness of troops in the North-East Theatre and the growing effectiveness of air-ground coordination in counter-terrorism operations.
It added that troops would sustain offensive operations, intelligence-led patrols and coordinated actions with other security agencies to dismantle terrorist networks and protect communities.
The statement was signed by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri, on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
