Troops Repel ISWAP Attack, Kill 16 Terrorists, Rescue 11 Kidnap Victims in Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on a military position in Borno State and subsequently launched a counter-offensive that neutralised 16 terrorists, disrupted their logistics network, and rescued kidnapped civilians.

According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the failed attack occurred late on February 5, 2026, when ISWAP fighters attempted to overrun the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Auno shortly before midnight. Troops of Sector 1 reportedly repelled the assault with what the military described as disciplined firepower and tactical precision.

Following the encounter, troops, working in synergy with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, launched a follow-up offensive on February 9 along the Komala axis in Konduga Local Government Area. During the operation, forces pursued retreating fighters up to the Gidan Kaji axis, where 16 terrorists were killed while others fled with injuries.

The military said troops recovered more than 20 bicycles as well as weapons, logistics materials, and other supplies believed to be critical to insurgent operations. On the same day, soldiers also arrested suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers who were allegedly transporting large quantities of drugs intended for terrorists around the Bukarti axis.

In a related development, troops foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Buratai–Kamuya road at about 5:20 p.m. on February 9 after detecting suspicious movements. The suspects abandoned their captives and fled into nearby bushes when pursued by soldiers. Two victims identified as Mallam Idris Adamu and Mallam Muhammadu Safiyanu were rescued and safely reunited with their families in Buratai.

Similarly, troops responding to a distress call along the Chibok–Damboa axis on the same day rescued nine kidnapped persons.

The military said the operations highlight its continued commitment to degrading terrorist networks, safeguarding civilians, and supporting humanitarian efforts across Nigeria’s North-East region.