OPHK Troops Repel ISWAP Attack, Kill 16 Terrorists, Recover Logistics In Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North-East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have repelled an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and launched a decisive counter-offensive that led to the neutralisation of several fighters and the recovery of logistics in Borno State.

In a press release issued on Tuesday by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Army said the troops demonstrated “exceptional resolve and operational superiority” in swiftly defeating the terrorists and degrading their capabilities.

According to the statement, ISWAP terrorists carried out a failed attack on Forward Operating Base Auno, Borno State, on February 5, 2026, shortly before midnight.

“On 5 February 2026 at approximately some minutes to midnight, ISWAP terrorists conducted a failed attack on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Auno. Troops of Sector 1 thwarted the assault with disciplined firepower and tactical precision,” the Army said.

Capitalising on the success, the troops, working alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), launched a follow-on counter-offensive on February 9, 2026, along the Komala axis in Konduga Local Government Area of the State.

“Troops engaged the retreating terrorists up to the Gidan Kaji axis, neutralising sixteen (16) terrorists and forcing scores to flee in disarray with severe injuries,” the statement added.

The Army said the operation also led to the recovery of terrorist logistics, including more than 20 bicycles, weapons and other supplies.

“Equally, troops recovered over twenty (20) bicycles, a large cache of logistic items, weapons, and other supplies critical to terrorist operations,” it said, noting that the action further disrupted ISWAP’s logistics network.

In a related development, the Army said suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers were arrested the same day around the Bukarti axis, while conveying a large quantity of drugs allegedly meant for the terrorists.

“In a further blow to terrorist logistics nodes, troops arrested suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers conveying large quantity of drugs meant for terrorists around Bukarti axis same day,” the statement read.

The Army also disclosed that troops foiled a kidnap attempt by terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road on February 9.

“After detection of terrorist activities, troops swiftly pursued, compelling the terrorists to abandon their victims and withdraw into the bushes,” it said.

Two victims, identified as Mallam Idris Adamu and Mallam Muhammadu Safiyanu, were rescued and reunited with their families in Buratai.

Similarly, the Army said nine kidnapped persons were rescued following a distress call along the Chibok–Damboa axis on the same day.

“Furthermore, in response to a distress call along Chibok-Damboa axis on 9 February 2026, troops rescued nine (9) kidnapped victims successfully,” the statement said.

The Army said the operations underscored OPHK’s continued commitment to dismantling terrorist networks, protecting civilians and supporting humanitarian efforts across the North-East.

“These actions underscore OPHK’s unwavering commitment to dismantling terrorist networks across the North East region and its continued support for humanitarian efforts and protection of civilians,” the statement added.