Troops of the Nigerian Army under the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have repelled a coordinated attack by suspected ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists in Kirawa, Borno State, killing at least 12 insurgents during a fierce gun battle along the Nigeria-Cameroon border axis.
The military disclosed on Saturday that the attempted assault occurred in the early hours of May 22, 2026, when terrorists tried to infiltrate positions occupied by troops of the 153 Task Force Battalion and allied forces in Sector 1 of Operation HADIN KAI’s area of responsibility.
According to the Nigerian Army, the terrorists’ movement was quickly detected by troops who responded with what it described as “overwhelming firepower” alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), forcing the insurgents to abandon the operation and retreat toward the Cameroon axis with heavy casualties.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the Army said, “The attack was swiftly detected and met with overwhelming firepower from alert troops and CJTF, who held their ground and contained the assault.”
The military further stated that Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets, supported by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and partner forces, provided coordinated operational support throughout the engagement.
Following the firefight, troops reportedly recovered several weapons and combat equipment from the terrorists, including AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade systems, ammunition and a PKT machine gun.
“Following the encounter, troops confirmed the neutralisation of 12 terrorists, while several others were observed retreating with gunshot wounds, as indicated by blood trails along their withdrawal routes,” the Army stated.
The operation forms part of ongoing Operation DESERT SANITY and SIEGE OPERATIONS aimed at sustaining pressure on insurgent groups operating across the North-East theatre.
Military authorities said troops, in collaboration with the CJTF, have maintained dominance in the area while exploitation operations continue to track fleeing insurgents and recover additional weapons and logistics.
The Army reaffirmed its determination to sustain offensive operations against terrorist elements across the region until they are “completely neutralised across the theatre.”
The military high command also commended the troops for what it described as their “gallantry, utmost professionalism, and swift response,” noting that the successful repulsion marked the third such operational success recorded within the week.
