Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have sustained offensive operations against terrorists, thwarting coordinated attacks and neutralising a total of 29 fighters in multiple engagements across Borno State.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the failed assaults carried out on the night of 20 February 2026 in Limankara and Kukawa reflect the mounting pressure on terrorist enclaves, logistics corridors and leadership structures across the theatre of operations.
The statement said troops of Sector 2 under Operation Desert Sanity V, acting on sustained intelligence supported by satellite imagery and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) air platforms, conducted a precision operation in the early hours of 22 February 2026 at Lamusheri Village in Gujba Local Government Area. The location was identified as a key terrorist launch pad and logistics hub.
Despite coming under fire on approach, troops in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force outflanked the terrorists and cut off their withdrawal routes. During the ensuing firefight, 15 terrorists were neutralised, while others fled with gunshot wounds. Defensive and life-support structures were destroyed, while five terrorist tricycles and two vehicles used for logistics and attacks were set ablaze. Troops also recovered arms, ammunition, bandoliers and camel pouches.
In Limankara, terrorists in unconfirmed numbers attempted to infiltrate the Forward Operating Base. However, alert troops engaged the attackers in a fierce firefight. Reinforcements and air support overwhelmed the assailants, forcing them to withdraw. There were no casualties among the troops, while intelligence sources confirmed that the terrorists suffered several losses.
Similarly, in Kukawa, terrorists mounted on gun trucks and motorcycles launched a coordinated multi-pronged attack from the Alagarno and Jemmu axes. Troops mounted a determined defence and, with air support, repelled the attackers after an intense engagement that lasted into the early hours of 21 February.
Air strikes destroyed one terrorist gun truck, killing four fighters, while further precision strikes neutralised 10 additional terrorists fleeing on motorcycles. Troops later recovered 13 AK-47 rifles, 16 loaded magazines, three handheld radios and other items used by the insurgents.
The statement, however, confirmed that one soldier lost his life during the engagements, while some combat equipment was destroyed by rocket fire. Wounded personnel were evacuated by Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters and are reported to be in stable condition.
The military high command commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism, urging them to sustain the operational momentum to further degrade terrorist capabilities across the North-East.
