Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully repelled simultaneous terrorist attacks in two Borno State communities, neutralising a senior commander and inflicting heavy casualties on the insurgents, the military has said.
In a statement released on Sunday, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (North East), disclosed that the attacks occurred late on 14 February 2026, in the towns of Pulka and Mandaragirau.
According to the statement, a large group of suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists advanced from the Sambisa Forest axis to launch a fierce attack on troops of Sector 1 in Pulka. In a well-coordinated response, troops engaged the terrorists in an intense firefight, successfully containing and reversing the assault.
Although a section of the perimeter was briefly breached, leading to the destruction of some combat enablers and accommodation, swift reinforcements with overwhelming firepower from 26 Brigade forced the terrorists to retreat in disarray towards the Sambisa axis.
Credible intelligence indicates that the terrorists suffered severe casualties, including the loss of a senior commander identified as Abou Aisha, who sustained a critical gunshot injury to the neck and subsequently died. There were no human casualties to troops during the attack on Pulka, the military confirmed.
In a related development, troops of Sector 2 at Mandaragirau came under a coordinated multi-pronged attack by ISWAP terrorists mounted on gun trucks and motorcycles. Anticipating the action, troops had tactically emplaced combat teams that decisively engaged the attackers. The attack was successfully thwarted after a fierce exchange without any breach to the defence of the location.
However, the military reported that some gallant personnel and Civilian Joint Task Force members paid the supreme price in the defence of their location. A few soldiers sustained injuries and were immediately evacuated by Air Component of OPHK and Nigerian Army Aviation platforms.
“Their sacrifice embodies the highest traditions of service, courage, and commitment to the defence of Nigeria,” the statement read.
Follow-up exploitation along the Kimba axis revealed blood trails, shallow graves, and abandoned items, while eyewitness accounts confirmed the evacuation of multiple terrorist casualties towards Kimba, further underscoring the scale of enemy losses.
The Military High Command has commended the bravery, utmost professionalism, and fighting spirit of the troops, noting that these failed attacks reflect the growing desperation of terrorist elements under sustained operational pressure.
OPHK reiterated its resolve to remain resolute in its mandate to dismantle terrorist networks, safeguard communities, and restore lasting peace and economic stability across the North East region.
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