Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists on military positions in Yobe State. The assault occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2026, from multiple directions, but the troops responded with superior firepower and held their ground.
Details of the Attack
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, disclosed in a statement that the attack targeted the Headquarters 27 Brigade at Buni Gari and a nearby checkpoint. During the fierce encounter, at least 50 terrorists were neutralized, and several weapons and ammunition were recovered. However, two gallant soldiers lost their lives, while others sustained injuries.
Troop Response and Tactical Superiority
The statement highlighted that the troops demonstrated overwhelming combat superiority, decisively crushing the large-scale attack. The terrorists launched their assault from the western flank, later pushing additional forces from the southern flank along the Ganinga Junction axis, and finally from the south-western flank in an attempt to encircle the troops. Despite this, the troops maintained exceptional discipline and tactical composure, employing indirect fires to attrit the enemy and executing an offensive-defensive battle that systematically degraded the assault from all axes.
The terrorists retreated in confusion, evacuating some of their dead and wounded, as evidenced by trails of blood along their escape routes. At no point was any part of the camp breached, and the integrity of the location remained fully intact throughout the engagement.
Recovered Weapons and Air Support
Items recovered from the engagement include 8 AK-47 rifles, 2 General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), 2 Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, 5 RPG bombs, 3 RPG chargers, 2 boxes of 7.62mm ammunition, 2 fully loaded magazines, 9 bandoliers of 7.62mm ammunition, and 3 Improvised Explosive Device (IED) canisters. The Air Component Command of OPHK played a decisive role, providing persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage and conducting precision air interdiction strikes on confirmed terrorist positions and fleeing elements, accounting for an additional 20 terrorists neutralized.
Casualties and Ongoing Operations
Human intelligence reports indicate that over 20 additional bodies were scattered across bushes around Gashua, Azare, and Kamuya along the terrorists' withdrawal routes. Troops, in conjunction with volunteer forces, are currently conducting aggressive exploitation operations across the general area to consolidate gains, track fleeing terrorists, and deny any attempt at regrouping. Some equipment, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and Gun-Trucks, sustained minimal damage during the engagement. All wounded personnel are stable and receiving appropriate medical attention.
Regrettably, two gallant soldiers paid the supreme price in the course of the engagement. Their sacrifice embodies the highest traditions of service, courage, and unwavering commitment to the defense of the nation. Operation HADIN KAI honors their heroism and the bravery of all personnel who stood firm in the face of a determined but ultimately futile enemy assault.
These failed attacks further underscore the growing desperation of terrorist elements who continue to suffer devastating losses under sustained operational pressure. OPHK remains resolute and battle-ready, maintaining operational dominance across the Theatre and ensuring that terrorists are denied freedom of action in any part of the North East region.
