Operation Hadin Kai: Troops Eliminate 25 ISWAP Terrorists in Borno Gunfight
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria—Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled a massive, coordinated assault by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, neutralising over 25 terrorists.
The counter-offensive, backed by heavy air support, led to the recovery of a cache of weapons, though some soldiers tragically lost their lives during the fierce encounter.
The gunfight began when a large number of ISWAP fighters launched a multi-directional attack from four different flanks, targeting positions held by the 101 Special Forces Battalion.
According to an official statement released by Captain Mohammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, the terrorists were run over by the superior firepower of ground troops.
“Supported by the Air Component, the troops overwhelmed the terrorists, inflicted heavy casualties, and forced the surviving elements to flee in disarray,” Captain Goni stated.
A preliminary battlefield assessment confirmed that over 25 insurgents were killed, with 14 bodies recovered from the immediate area so far.
Weapons Recovered as Troops Pursue Fleeing Fighters
Following the firefight, military forces conducted a sweeping exploitation operation across the Kukawa axis. During the search, troops recovered an assortment of arms and ammunition left behind by the retreating insurgents, including six AK-47 rifles.
Active search-and-track operations remain underway in the region to intercept the remaining wounded terrorists and prevent them from regrouping along the Lake Chad basin.
The victory, however, came at a cost. The military command confirmed that a number of soldiers paid the supreme price during the intense engagement.
“The Nigerian Army extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen heroes and stands with them at this difficult moment,” Captain Goni added, praising the courage, sacrifice, and devotion of the personnel involved.
Military analysts note that the successful repelling of the multi-flank assault underscores the heightened combat readiness and tactical maturity of the troops in the North East Theatre. The operation highlights the growing effectiveness of joint air-ground synergy, which continues to disrupt major terrorist networks and deny them freedom of movement across Borno State.
The military command reiterated its unwavering commitment to maintaining aggressive patrols, intelligence-led raids, and joint security operations with sister agencies to safeguard local communities and dismantle the remnants of ISWAP and Boko Haram.
