BY: ABDULKADIR M LAWAN, SEPTEMBER 08, 2026/ 10:06AM
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have foiled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, terrorists on a military location in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday morning by the theatre's spokesman, Capt. Mohammed Goni, the attack occurred on September 7, 2026.
He said troops, supported by the Nigerian Air Force and the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, held their positions and successfully contained the assault.
He added that the terrorists launched the attack as troops continued ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the area.
Despite the intensity of the attack, he added, the troops stood their ground and responded with sustained firepower, denying the attackers any chance to breach their positions.
'The troops’ resolute response forced the terrorists to abandon the assault and withdraw from the area with casualties, while military positions across Pulka remained securely under the control of the security forces,' the statement said.
The military disclosed that the engagement was boosted by timely air support from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai.
Air assets provided Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, ISR, coverage which gave ground troops enhanced awareness.
As the terrorists attempted to withdraw, the Air Force conducted precision strikes on identified hostile elements, disrupting their escape and frustrating efforts to regroup.
The CJTF also played a supporting role by providing useful local information and assisting troops in maintaining situational awareness.
During the encounter, one soldier sustained a gunshot injury to the left arm.
He was evacuated for medical attention, stabilised and is currently responding to treatment. His condition is reported to be stable.
Following the withdrawal of the terrorists, troops commenced exploitation operations to determine the extent of damage inflicted on the attackers, recover abandoned weapons and equipment, and obtain intelligence to aid follow-up operations against fleeing elements.
The military said the successful defence underscores the determination, bravery and combat readiness of troops of Operation Hadin Kai.
It noted that the coordinated action with the air component and CJTF demonstrated the effectiveness of joint efforts in confronting terrorist threats across the theatre.
Troops, the statement added, remain firmly deployed and on heightened alert across the area, with aggressive patrols, surveillance and offensive and defensive operations continuing to deny terrorists freedom of movement.
The military urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly provide credible information on suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest security formation.
'The Nigerian military remains steadfast in its resolve to defeat terrorism and other forms of insecurity, protect the territorial integrity of the nation and create the conditions necessary for sustainable peace and stability across the North East,' Capt. Goni said.