Troops gun down 16 insurgents, rescue 11 kidnap victims in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have recorded another major success in the fight against insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East, killing 16 suspected terrorists, rescuing 11 kidnapped victims, and arresting individuals believed to be supplying drugs to insurgents in Borno State.

The breakthrough was confirmed on Wednesday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sanni Uba.

According to him, the operation took place on February 9 when troops, working closely with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), launched a coordinated counter-offensive along the Komala axis in Konduga Local Government Area.

During the fierce encounter, the combined forces engaged the insurgents in a gun battle, successfully neutralising 16 of them and disrupting their activities in the area.

The statement reads “Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI 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,” he said.

Sanni explained that “On 5 February 2026, at approximately some minutes to midnight, ISWAP terrorists conducted a failed attack on Forward Operating Base 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, launched a bold counter-offensive along the Komala axis in Konduga LGA. The troops engaged the retreating terrorists up to the Gidan Kaji axis neutralising sixteen (16) terrorists, forcing scores to flee in disarray with severe injurie” he noted.

According to him, the troops recovered over twenty bicycles, a large cache of logistic items, weapons, and other supplies critical to terrorist operations.

In a separate operation, he said troops arrested suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers conveying a large quantity of drugs meant for terrorists aroundthe Bukarti axis 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 their 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,” he said.

He, however, noted that the actions underscore OPHK’s continued commitment in support of humanitarian efforts and protection of civilians.