Nigerian Army Repels ISWAP Attack in Borno, Inflicts Heavy Losses on Terrorists

• Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, backed by the Nigerian Army, have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists in Borno State.

The Nigerian Army has announced the successful repulsion of a coordinated attack by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Buratai axis of Borno State, following a joint air and ground operation that reportedly inflicted heavy losses on the terrorists.

The military disclosed that the attack occurred in the early hours of Thursday, June 19, 2026, when insurgents launched multiple assaults on military positions in Buratai, located in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the terrorists targeted troops stationed at Dusten Kura and along the Chara Road corridor.

According to the Army, troops on alert, supported by credible intelligence, detected the movement of the insurgents and swiftly mounted a coordinated response involving both ground forces and air assets.

“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.

“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 credited the success of the operation largely to the rapid deployment of air power by the Nigerian Air Force under Operation Hadin Kai.

According to the statement, surveillance platforms and precision-strike aircraft played a decisive role in identifying and neutralising terrorist positions during the encounter.

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

Military authorities said the coordinated strikes disrupted the terrorists’ plans and forced them into a chaotic retreat.

“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.

The Army further revealed that no soldier was killed or injured during the operation, describing the outcome as a major operational success.

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

The Theatre Command described the operation as another demonstration of the growing effectiveness of joint military operations in the North-East, where security forces continue to battle remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents.

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Operation Hadin Kai reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups and dismantling their remaining strongholds across the region.

The military also called on residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, stressing that community cooperation remains vital to the success of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.

The latest victory comes as Nigerian security forces intensify operations aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and restoring lasting peace to communities affected by years of insurgency in the North-East.