Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully repelled an attempted attack by suspected ISWAP/Boko Haram fighters on a military location in the Kirawa axis along the Nigeria–Cameroon border.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, targeted positions occupied by troops of the 153 Task Force Battalion and allied forces under Sector 1 of the operation.

Military authorities said the insurgents attempted to infiltrate the location under cover of darkness but were swiftly detected by alert troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who responded with intense firepower and forced the attackers to retreat.

The failed assault reportedly resulted in heavy losses for the terrorists, with at least 12 insurgents confirmed killed during the encounter. Several others were also believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds, based on blood trails observed along their withdrawal routes toward the Cameroon axis.

The military further disclosed that Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance assets, alongside air support from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and partner forces, played a major role in supporting the ground troops during the operation.

Recovered items from the scene included AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, ammunition, and a PKT machine gun, in what officials described as another blow to the operational capacity of insurgent groups in the North-East.

Troops, supported by local security volunteers, have since intensified follow-up operations in the area to track fleeing fighters and recover additional weapons or materials abandoned during the attack.

The military high command commended the troops for what it described as gallantry, professionalism, and rapid response, noting that the latest operation marks the third attempted terrorist assault foiled within the week.

Operation HADIN KAI reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist networks operating across the North-East until peace and stability are fully restored in the region.