North‑East: 12 ISWAP/Boko Haram Fighters Killed by Troops

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), eliminated 12 ISWAP and Boko Haram fighters during a failed attack on a military position in the Kirawa axis of Sector 1 OPHK Area of Responsibility on the night of 22 May 2026.

The operation was conducted under Operation Desert Sanity and Siege Operations after suspected terrorists tried to infiltrate positions held by the 153 Task Force Battalion and other allied forces along the Nigeria‑Cameroon border axis.

According to the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the attack was detected promptly and repelled by troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who used superior firepower and maintained control of their positions throughout the engagement.

The terrorists were forced to abandon the mission and retreat toward the Cameroon axis after suffering heavy casualties during the gun battle.

“Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets, as well as platforms of the Air Component of OPHK and partner forces, provided coordinated support during the operation,” the statement read.

“Following the engagement, troops confirmed the neutralisation of 12 terrorists, while several others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds, as evidenced by blood trails along their withdrawal routes.”

“Recovered items included AK‑47 rifles, rocket‑propelled grenade systems, ammunition, and a PKT machine gun, further weakening the operational capability of the insurgents in the area,” the statement added.

OPHK troops, working with the Civilian Joint Task Force, have continued exploitation operations to track fleeing terrorists and recover additional weapons and equipment, while maintaining heightened vigilance across the area.

The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups until they are completely neutralised across the theatre of operations.

The Military High Command also commended the troops for their gallantry, professionalism and swift response, describing it as the third successful operation recorded within the week, and urged them to sustain the operational momentum in the interest of national security.