Nigerian Army troops operating under Operation HADIN KAI, with support from the Nigerian Air Force and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a military location in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack occurred on September 7, 2026, as troops continued counter-terrorism operations in the area, according to a statement by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI.
The terrorists reportedly launched an intense assault on the military position but were met with sustained firepower from the troops, who held their ground and prevented the attackers from breaching or overrunning the location.
According to the military, the resistance forced the terrorists to abandon the attack and withdraw with casualties, while military positions across Pulka remained firmly under the control of security forces.
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI also provided timely Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) support during the engagement. As the terrorists attempted to flee, military aircraft reportedly conducted precision strikes against identified hostile elements, disrupting their withdrawal and preventing them from regrouping.
The CJTF also supported the operation by providing local information and assisting troops with situational awareness.
However, one soldier sustained a gunshot wound to the left arm during the encounter. He was evacuated for medical treatment, stabilised and is responding to treatment, with his condition described as stable.
Following the terrorists’ withdrawal, troops commenced exploitation operations to assess the damage inflicted on the attackers, recover abandoned weapons and equipment, and gather intelligence for follow-up operations against the fleeing elements.
The military said the successful defence of the position demonstrated the determination and combat readiness of Operation HADIN KAI troops, while the coordinated response involving ground forces, air assets and the CJTF underscored the importance of joint operations in countering terrorist threats in the North-East.
Troops remain on heightened alert in Pulka and surrounding areas, with patrols, surveillance and offensive and defensive operations continuing to restrict the movement of terrorist elements.
The military urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest security formation, reiterating its commitment to defeating terrorism and restoring lasting peace and stability across the North-East.
