Troops Repel ISWAP/Boko Haram Attack In Kirawa, Kill 12 Terrorists

Troops of the Operation HADIN KAI have repelled an attempted attack by suspected ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists on a military location in Kirawa along the Nigeria–Cameroon border, killing at least 12 insurgents during a fierce gun battle.

The operation was carried out by troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) under Operation DESERT SANITY and SIEGE OPERATIONS in the early hours of May 22, 2026.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the terrorists attempted to infiltrate positions occupied by troops of the 153 Task Force Battalion and associated forces within Sector 1 of the operation’s area of responsibility.

The military said the attempted assault was quickly detected by alert troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who responded with what it described as overwhelming firepower.

“The terrorists were forced to abort their mission and withdraw in confusion towards the Cameroon axis, sustaining heavy casualties during the engagement,” the statement said.

The operation reportedly received coordinated support from Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets, alongside platforms of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and partner forces.

Military authorities confirmed that 12 terrorists were neutralised during the confrontation, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds, as indicated by blood trails along their withdrawal routes.

Troops also recovered several weapons and ammunition from the fleeing insurgents, including AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade systems, ammunition, and a PKT machine gun.

The military said the recovery of the arms further weakened the operational capability of the terrorist group in the area.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, working alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force, have since intensified exploitation operations aimed at tracking fleeing insurgents and recovering additional weapons and equipment.

The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements across the North-East until they are completely neutralised.

The military high command also commended the troops for their gallantry, professionalism, and swift response, describing the successful defence of the location as the third major operational success recorded within the week.