Scores Killed As Military Foils Coordinated ISWAP Assault In Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai have repelled coordinated attacks by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Borno State and launched a counter-offensive that inflicted heavy casualties on the insurgents.

NEWSNGR understands that the operation took place in the Buratai axis of Biu Local Government Area and underscored the growing synergy between ground forces and air assets in the military’s counter-terrorism campaign in the North-East.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Mohammed Goni, said the terrorists launched multiple attacks on military positions at Dusten Kura and along Chara Road in the early hours of June 19, 2026.

According to him, the troops swiftly detected the attempted incursion through actionable intelligence and responded with overwhelming force.

“In the early hours of 19 June 2026, ISWAP terrorists launched multiple attacks on troops’ locations at Dusten Kura and Chara Road in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State,” Goni said.

“The alert troops, supported by robust intelligence, promptly detected the incursion and responded with superior firepower in a well-coordinated air and ground counter-attack.”

The military spokesman attributed the success of the operation to the timely intervention of the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai and the effective deployment of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets, alongside precision-strike platforms of the Nigerian Air Force.

“The prompt and effective employment of the Air Component of OPHK, particularly Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance as well as precision strike platforms from the Nigerian Air Force, proved decisive,” he stated.

According to him, the coordinated air support seamlessly complemented ground operations, disrupting the terrorists’ assault and forcing them to retreat in disarray.

“The precision air support integrated seamlessly with ground forces, disrupted the terrorists’ assault and inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, forcing them to flee in confusion,” he added.

Goni disclosed that no casualty was recorded among the troops during the encounter, while the terrorists suffered significant losses in personnel and equipment.

“It is worthy to note that no casualties were recorded on own troops, while the terrorists suffered significant losses in personnel and equipment,” he said.

The spokesman said the latest operational success highlighted the high level of preparedness of Operation Hadin Kai forces and reinforced the Theatre Command’s determination to sustain pressure on terrorist groups operating in the region.

He assured residents that troops would continue aggressive operations aimed at degrading insurgent capabilities, restoring peace and protecting communities across the North-East.

Goni also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies.

He noted that community support remains critical to the success of ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the region.