Troops Prevent ISWAP and Boko Haram Attack in Northeast Nigeria

The Nigerian Army announced that troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) – operating under Operations HADIN KAI, OPHK, Desert Sanity and Siege – prevented an attack by suspected ISWAP/Boko Haram fighters on soldiers in the Kirawa axis of Sector 1, OPHK’s area of responsibility, on the early hours of 22 May 2026.

A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, said that a number of suspected terrorists tried to infiltrate positions held by the 153 Task Force Battalion and associated forces along the Nigeria–Cameroon border axis.

“The attack was swiftly detected and met with overwhelming firepower from alert troops and CJTF, who held their ground and contained the assault,” the statement read.

The terrorists were forced to abort their mission and retreat in confusion toward the Cameroon axis, sustaining heavy casualties during the engagement.

Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets, together with platforms of the Air Component of OPHK and partner forces, provided coordinated support throughout the operation.

After the encounter, troops confirmed the neutralisation of 12 terrorists, while several others were observed retreating with gunshot wounds, as indicated by blood trails along their withdrawal routes.

“Recovered items include AK‑47 rifles, rocket‑propelled grenade systems, ammunition, and a PKT machine gun, further degrading the terrorists’ combat capability in the area,” the statement added.

“Troops of OPHK, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force, have maintained their positions with heightened vigilance while exploitation operations continue to track fleeing elements and recover additional materiel.”

The Joint Task Force reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to sustaining operational pressure on terrorist elements until they are completely neutralised across the theatre.

The Military High Command commended the troops for their gallantry, utmost professionalism and swift response, urging them to maintain the operational momentum in the collective interest of national security.