Operation Hadin Kai Neutralises 16 Terrorists, Rescues 11 Hostages in Borno Counter-Offensive

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed 16 terrorists and rescued 11 hostages in a series of coordinated military operations in Borno State, reinforcing ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in Nigeria’s North-East.

The Nigerian Army disclosed that the operation followed a failed attack by ISWAP fighters on the Forward Operating Base in Auno on February 5, 2026. According to the Joint Task Force (North East), troops successfully repelled the assault before launching a counter-offensive on February 9 along the Komala axis in Konduga Local Government Area.

During the clearance operation, soldiers, working alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force, engaged retreating insurgents up to the Gidan Kaji axis, neutralising 16 terrorists. Several others reportedly fled with injuries. The troops also recovered over 20 bicycles, weapons, and a cache of logistics supplies believed to support terrorist operations.

In a related development, security forces arrested suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers allegedly transporting large quantities of drugs to insurgents around the Bukarti axis.

The military further confirmed that troops foiled a kidnap attempt along the Buratai-Kamuya road, rescuing two victims who were reunited with their families. Additionally, nine kidnapped victims were freed during a response operation along the Chibok-Damboa axis.

The Army said the operations significantly disrupted terrorist logistics and reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling insurgent networks in Borno and the wider North-East region.