Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully repelled a terrorist attack on Kukawa town in Borno State, killing at least 26 fighters and destroying 10 motorcycles used by the insurgents. The operation, which involved coordinated ground and air assaults, took place after terrorists attacked troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion deployed in Kukawa at about 10:50 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026.
The Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday. He said the troops responded swiftly with effective direct and indirect fire, forcing the terrorists to withdraw towards the Cross Kauwa axis. During the fierce engagement, several terrorists were neutralised, while others were observed sustaining gunshot wounds as they fled the area. Troops subsequently exploited the area and recovered the corpses of some of the terrorists, confirming the casualties inflicted during the encounter.
As the terrorists withdrew towards Cross Kauwa on motorcycles, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI was deployed to intercept them. Despite challenging weather conditions, the Air Component successfully engaged terrorists taking cover under trees, neutralising an estimated 10 fighters. Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets of the Multinational Joint Task Force tracked about 20 motorcycles conveying fleeing terrorists towards the Tunbuns/Kangarwa axis. The intelligence enabled the Air Component to conduct a follow-up precision strike, killing an additional 15 terrorists and destroying 10 motorcycles, thereby further degrading the terrorists' mobility and fighting capability. During subsequent exploitation operations, ground troops recovered two motorcycles, neutralised another terrorist, and recovered assorted ammunition and other items.
The coordinated ground and air operations disrupted the attack, intercepted the terrorists' withdrawal, and further degraded their ability to regroup or sustain operations in the area. Following the engagement, troops were immediately replenished by air with essential combat enablers to sustain operational effectiveness and maintain pressure on the terrorists. Four soldiers sustained injuries during the encounter, but none of the injuries were life-threatening. The wounded soldiers were promptly evacuated by air for medical attention and are in stable condition. Troops have commenced reorganisation and extensive exploitation of the area, while battle damage assessment and further evaluation of the encounter are ongoing.
The successful defence of Kukawa demonstrated the capacity of Operation HADIN KAI to integrate ground forces, air assets, and intelligence capabilities in responding to terrorist threats. The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustained offensive operations and intelligence-led surveillance to degrade terrorist capabilities, deny them freedom of action, and protect communities across the North-East.
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