By Bavoriat Clara
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully repelled coordinated terrorist attacks on Pulka and Mandaragirau communities in Borno State, reaffirming the military’s dominance across the North East theatre of operations.
The attacks, which occurred late on 14 February 2026, targeted defensive positions in the two locations but were decisively thwarted by troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).
In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the troops demonstrated exceptional courage, tactical foresight and fire discipline in holding their ground against the assailants.
According to the statement, a large group of suspected Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters advanced from the Sambisa Forest axis and launched a fierce assault on troops of Sector 1 in Pulka. The troops responded with a well-coordinated counter-offensive, engaging the terrorists in an intense firefight and successfully containing the attack.
Although a section of the defensive perimeter was briefly breached, resulting in the destruction of some combat enablers and accommodation facilities, swift reinforcement by troops of 26 Brigade with overwhelming firepower forced the terrorists to retreat in disarray towards the Sambisa axis.
Credible intelligence sources indicated that the terrorists suffered severe casualties during the encounter, including a senior commander identified as Abou Aisha, who reportedly sustained a critical gunshot wound to the neck and later died. Several weapons and equipment were also said to have been lost by the fleeing insurgents. The statement confirmed that no military personnel was killed during the Pulka attack.
In a related development, troops of Sector 2 at Mandaragirau came under a coordinated, multi-pronged attack by ISWAP fighters mounted on gun trucks and motorcycles. However, anticipating such action, troops had tactically deployed combat teams which decisively engaged the attackers.
The assault was successfully repelled after a fierce exchange of fire, with no breach recorded in the defensive position. However, some gallant military personnel and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme price in the line of duty, while a few soldiers sustained injuries.
The injured personnel were promptly evacuated by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and Nigerian Army Aviation platforms for medical attention.
Follow-up exploitation operations along the Kimba axis revealed blood trails, shallow graves and abandoned items believed to belong to the fleeing terrorists. Eyewitness accounts also confirmed the evacuation of multiple terrorist casualties towards Kimba, further underscoring the scale of losses suffered by the attackers.
The Military High Command commended the bravery, professionalism and fighting spirit of the troops, noting that the failed attacks reflect the growing desperation of terrorist elements under sustained operational pressure.
Operation HADIN KAI reiterated its resolve to dismantle terrorist networks, safeguard communities and restore lasting peace and economic stability across the North East region.
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