Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, have successfully repelled coordinated attacks launched by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, killing several insurgents and forcing the survivors to flee.
The attempted assault took place in the early hours of Friday, June 19, 2026, when ISWAP fighters simultaneously attacked military positions at Dusten Kura and Chara Road along the Buratai axis.
In a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the troops acted swiftly after receiving credible intelligence on the terrorists’ movement.
He said the military responded with a coordinated air and ground offensive, effectively neutralising the threat before the attackers could breach the troops’ defensive positions.
According to the statement, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai played a decisive role in the operation through the deployment of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, as well as precision strike platforms of the Nigerian Air Force.
“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 said.
The military disclosed that no casualties were recorded among the troops, while the terrorists suffered significant losses in both personnel and equipment.
Operation Hadin Kai described the successful defence as a reflection of the troops’ high combat readiness and the growing synergy between its air and land components in sustaining pressure on terrorist groups operating across the North-East.
The Theatre Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining relentless offensive operations aimed at denying insurgents freedom of movement, protecting lives and property, and restoring lasting peace in the region.
The command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely, credible information to security agencies to support ongoing counter-terrorism efforts while reiterating its commitment to degrading terrorist capabilities and ensuring long-term security and stability across Nigeria’s North-East.
