BY: ABDULKADIR M LAWAN, OCTOBER 28, 2026) 11:27PM
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have killed a total of 44 terrorists in coordinated intelligence-led operations across Borno State and the Lake Chad region.
The offensive, sustained within 72 hours, also left at least 16 terrorists with varying degrees of injuries and foiled a planned Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Hadin Kai's spokesman, Capt. Mohammed Goni, the operations targeted terrorist hideouts and movements following credible intelligence and surveillance.
He said on October 26, 2026, troops conducted engagements against suspected terrorist elements at separate locations in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Battle damage assessment confirmed that 28 terrorists were neutralised, while six others sustained injuries.
Two days later, on October 28, 2026, the Maritime Component, Naval Base Lake Chad in Baga, launched offensive actions against terrorist targets in the Lake Chad area.
Preliminary assessments indicated that eight terrorists were neutralised, with 10 others injured.
Capt. Goni added that in a separate air interdiction mission on the same day, troops disrupted a terrorist team laying IEDs.
The air strike neutralised eight operatives and destroyed their vehicle, motorcycles, and IED materials, preventing the group from executing its planned attack.
Captain Goni said the successes reflect sustained pressure on terrorist networks through joint, intelligence-led operations.
'OPHK remains committed to degrading terrorist capabilities, restricting their freedom of action and protecting communities across the North East,' he said.
The Theatre Command urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security.