Troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have foiled an attempt by Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists to overrun a military formation in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The troops, operating under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), repelled the coordinated attack with sustained firepower, forcing the terrorists to withdraw from the area with casualties.

Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Goni said the terrorists launched the assault on September 7, 2026, as troops continued counter-terrorism operations in the area.

He said despite the intensity of the attack, the troops held their ground and denied the terrorists the opportunity to breach or overrun the military location.

“The terrorists launched the attack as troops continued ongoing counter-terrorism operations within the area.

“Despite the intensity of the attack, the troops stood their ground and responded with sustained firepower and determined resistance, denying the terrorists any opportunity to breach or overrun their positions,” he said.

According to him, the troops’ resistance forced the terrorists to abandon the assault and withdraw with casualties, while security forces retained control of military positions across Pulka.

He said the engagement was further strengthened by air support from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, which provided intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) coverage to ground troops.
Goni said air assets subsequently conducted precision strikes on identified hostile elements as they attempted to escape, disrupting their withdrawal and frustrating efforts to regroup.

He added that the CJTF provided useful local information and assisted troops in maintaining situational awareness during the operation.

One soldier sustained a gunshot wound to the left arm during the encounter and was promptly evacuated for medical treatment.

The soldier, according to Goni, was stabilised and is responding to treatment, with his condition described as stable.

Following the withdrawal of the terrorists, troops commenced exploitation operations to assess the damage inflicted on the attackers, recover abandoned weapons and equipment, and gather intelligence for possible follow-up operations against the fleeing elements.

Goni said the successful defence of the formation demonstrated the determination and combat readiness of Operation Hadin Kai troops in confronting terrorist attacks.

He said the coordinated response involving the Army, Air Component and CJTF further demonstrated the importance of joint operations in countering terrorist threats in the Northeast.

“Troops remain firmly deployed and on heightened alert across the area, with aggressive patrols, surveillance and other offensive and defensive operations continuing to deny terrorist elements freedom of movement and action,” he added.

He said the military would sustain pressure on the terrorists while taking necessary measures to protect the lives and property of civilians.

Goni urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly provide credible information about suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest security formation.

He reaffirmed the military’s resolve to defeat terrorism and other forms of insecurity, protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and create conditions for sustainable peace and stability across the Northeast.