In a sustained offensive against insurgency, troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised 16 terrorists and rescued 11 kidnapped victims during recent operations across Borno State.

In a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), obtained by TVC News on Wednesday, the operations were conducted by Operation Hadin Kai, during a separate intelligence-led offensive in February.

The statement reads, “Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have once again demonstrated exceptional resolve and operational superiority by swiftly repelling an ISWAP attack, and launching a devastating follow-on counter-offensive. This decisive action has significantly degraded terrorist capabilities, disrupted their logistics, and reaffirmed OPHK’s unwavering commitment to dismantling terrorist networks across the North East region.

“On 5 February 2026, at approximately some minutes to midnight, ISWAP terrorists conducted a failed attack on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Auno. Troops of Sector 1 thwarted the assault with disciplined firepower and tactical precision. Capitalising on this success, on 9 February 2026, troops, in synergy with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), launched a bold counter-offensive along the Komala axis in Konduga LGA.”

The statement added, “The troops engaged the retreating terrorists up to the Gidan Kaji axis neutralising sixteen (16) terrorists, forcing scores to flee in disarray with severe injuries. Equally. Troops recovered over twenty (20) bicycles, a large cache of logistic items, weapons, and other supplies critical to terrorist operations. In a further blow to terrorist logistics nodes, troops arrested suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers conveying a large quantity of drugs meant for terrorists around the Bukarti axis on the same day.

“Relatedly, on the same day, troops foiled a terrorist kidnap attempt along the Buratai-Kamuya road. After the detection of terrorist activities, troops swiftly pursued, compelling the terrorists to abandon their victims and withdraw into the bushes. Two (2) victims, Mallam Idris Adamu and Mallam Muhammadu Safiyanu, were rescued and safely reunited with families in Buratai.”

“Furthermore, in response to a distress call along the Chibok-Damboa axis on 9 February 2026, troops rescued 9 kidnapped victims successfully. These actions underscore OPHK’s continued commitment in support of humanitarian efforts and protection of civilians,” the statement concluded.