OPHK Troops Neutralise 16 Terrorists, Rescue 11 Kidnapped Victims in Borno

OPHK Troops Neutralise 16 Terrorists, Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims in Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded another major operational success after neutralising 16 terrorists, rescuing 11 kidnapped victims, and dismantling key Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics networks in Borno State.

The successful military operations took place across several flashpoints, including the Maiduguri–Damboa road, Gidan Kaji axis, Konduga Local Government Area, Bukarti, Buratai, and the Chibok–Damboa axis, following actionable intelligence and swift troop deployment.

According to a statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the latest offensive followed a failed ISWAP attack on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Auno on 5 February 2026, which was decisively repelled by troops of Sector 1 using disciplined firepower and tactical precision.

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Capitalising on the failed assault, troops of OPHK, working in synergy with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), launched a bold counter-offensive operation on 9 February 2026 along the Komala axis in Konduga LGA.

During the pursuit, the troops engaged retreating terrorists up to the Gidan Kaji axis along the Maiduguri–Damboa road, where 16 terrorists were neutralised, while several others fled in disarray with severe gunshot injuries.

The operation also led to the recovery of over 20 bicycles, alongside a large cache of weapons, ammunition, logistics items, drugs, and supplies critical to sustaining terrorist operations in the North-East theatre.

In a further blow to terrorist logistics, troops arrested suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers around the Bukarti axis, where a large quantity of drugs meant for terrorists was intercepted.

Relatedly, troops on the same day foiled a terrorist kidnap attempt along the Buratai–Kamuya–Biu road at about 5:20 pm. Upon detection, the terrorists were forced to abandon their captives and retreat into surrounding bushes.

Two victims, Mallam Idris Adamu and Mallam Muhammadu Safiyanu, were rescued and safely reunited with their families in Buratai.

Additionally, following a distress call later on 9 February 2026, troops responded swiftly along the Chibok–Damboa axis, successfully rescuing nine more kidnapped victims, bringing the total number of rescued civilians to 11.

The military said the latest successes have significantly degraded terrorist capabilities, disrupted ISWAP and Boko Haram logistics networks, and reaffirmed the commitment of Operation HADIN KAI to restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East region of Nigeria.

OPHK Troops Neutralise 16 Terrorists, Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims in Borno