Quick Summary:
KirawaOPHK2026 as troops of Operation HADIN KAI under Operation Desert Sanity and Operation Siege repel an attempted ISWAP/Boko Haram attack in the Kirawa axis, neutralising 12 terrorists and recovering weapons.
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), operating under Operation Desert Sanity and Operation Siege, successfully repelled an attempted attack by suspected ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists in the Kirawa axis of Sector 1 OPHK area of responsibility.
The incident occurred in the early hours of 22 May 2026, along the Nigeria–Cameroon border, according to a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI.
Attack Thwarted With Overwhelming Firepower
The statement revealed that a group of suspected terrorists attempted to infiltrate positions held by troops of the 153 Task Force Battalion and associated forces.
The terrorists were reportedly forced to abort their mission and retreat in confusion toward the Cameroon axis, sustaining heavy casualties during the engagement.
12 Terrorists Neutralised, Weapons Recovered
Following the encounter, troops confirmed the neutralisation of 12 terrorists, while several others were observed retreating with gunshot wounds, as indicated by blood trails along their withdrawal routes.
Recovered items included:
- AK-47 rifles
- Rocket-propelled grenade systems
- Ammunition
- A PKT machine gun
The army noted that the recovery of these weapons further degraded the terrorists’ combat capability in the area.
Air And Ground Coordination
The operation was supported by intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets, alongside air platforms from the Air Component of OPHK and partner forces, ensuring coordinated engagement throughout the battle.
Troops of OPHK, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have since maintained their positions with heightened vigilance, while exploitation operations continue to track fleeing elements and recover additional materiel.
Military Reaffirms Commitment To National Security
The Joint Task Force reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to sustaining operational pressure on terrorist elements until they are completely neutralised across the North East theatre.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their gallantry, professionalism, and swift response, noting that this was the third successful engagement in a week.
It urged the troops to maintain operational momentum in the collective interest of national security.