Military forces thwart Boko Haram affiliate's assault in Borno, initiate retaliatory strike

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The Nigerian Army says troops under Operation Hadin Kai have repelled an attack by ISWAP terrorists in Buratai axis of Borno State, following a coordinated air and ground counter-offensive that forced the attackers to flee with heavy losses.

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According to a statement on Friday by Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the attack occurred in the early hours of June 19, 2026, when insurgents struck military locations in the area.

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“ISWAP terrorists launched multiple attacks on troops’ locations at Dusten Kura and Chara road in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State,” the statement said.

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The Army said alert troops, supported by intelligence, quickly detected the incursion and responded with coordinated firepower from ground and air components.

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“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 statement added.

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It noted that the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai played a decisive role through surveillance and precision strikes.

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“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,” it said.

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The military said the joint operation disrupted the attack and forced the terrorists to retreat.

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“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,” the statement added.

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The Army also said no troops were killed in the operation, while ISWAP fighters suffered significant losses in personnel and equipment.

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

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The Theatre Command described the operation as evidence of strong coordination between air and ground forces in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign.

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The statement added that Operation Hadin Kai remains committed to sustaining offensive operations and urged residents to continue providing timely intelligence to security agencies.

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