Troops kill 16 terrorists, rescue 11 kidnapped victims in Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have killed 16 terrorists and rescued 11 kidnapped victims during coordinated operations in Borno State.

The troops engaged terrorists at the Gidan Kaji axis along the Maiduguri–Damboa Road, neutralising 16 of them and forcing several others to flee with injuries.

They also recovered over 20 bicycles, weapons and other supplies critical to terrorist operations.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said the troops had earlier repelled an ISWAP attack on a military base.

“On 5 February 2026, at a few minutes to midnight, ISWAP terrorists launched a failed attack on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Auno. Troops of Sector 1 repelled the assault with disciplined firepower and tactical precision,” he said.

He added that on 9 February 2026, troops, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, launched a counter-offensive along the Komala axis in Konduga Local Government Area.

The troops pursued the retreating terrorists up to the Gidan Kaji axis, killing 16 insurgents and forcing others to flee in disarray.

According to him, troops also arrested suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers transporting a large quantity of drugs intended for terrorists around the Bukarti axis on the same day.

In a related development, troops foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Buratai–Kamuya–Biu Road at about 5.20pm on February 9.

Following a swift pursuit, the terrorists abandoned their captives and fled into the bush. Two victims, Mallam Idris Adamu and Mallam Muhammadu Safiyanu, were rescued and reunited with their families in Buratai.

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