Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have successfully repelled coordinated attacks by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Borno State, before launching a decisive counter-offensive that inflicted heavy losses on the insurgents.
The military operation, which took place in the Buratai axis of Biu Local Government Area, highlighted the growing effectiveness of the synergy between ground troops and air assets in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts across the North-East.
In a statement on Thursday, the Acting Military Information Officer of OPHK, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed that the terrorists launched multiple attacks on military positions at Dusten Kura and along Chara Road in the early hours of 19 June 2026.
According to him, the troops swiftly detected the attempted incursion through actionable intelligence and responded with overwhelming force.
“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,” he said.
Captain Goni attributed the success of the operation largely to the timely intervention of the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai and the effective deployment of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities, alongside precision-strike platforms of the Nigerian Air Force.
“The prompt and effective employment of the Air Component of OPHK, particularly Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance as well as precision strike platforms from the Nigerian Air Force, proved decisive.
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.
“It is worthy to note that no casualties were recorded on own troops, while the terrorists suffered significant losses in personnel and equipment,” he added.
The military spokesperson said the latest operational success underscores the high level of preparedness of OPHK forces and reinforces the Theatre Command’s determination to sustain relentless pressure on terrorist elements operating within the region.
He further assured that troops would continue aggressive offensive operations aimed at degrading insurgent capabilities, restoring lasting peace and safeguarding communities across the North-East.
Captain Goni also called on the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, noting that community support remains critical to the overall success of counter-insurgency operations.
Linus Aleke
