Odita Sunday 
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have repelled an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and launched a counter-offensive that led to the neutralisation of 16 terrorists and recovery of logistics in Borno State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the troops thwarted a failed ISWAP assault on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Auno on February 5, 2026, at about midnight.
According to the statement, troops of Sector 1 responded with what it described as disciplined firepower and tactical precision, successfully repelling the attackers.
Following the foiled assault, troops in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) on February 9 launched a counter-offensive along the Komala axis in Konduga Local Government Area. The operation extended to the Gidan Kaji axis where the retreating insurgents were engaged.
“Sixteen terrorists were neutralised, while several others fled with severe injuries,” the statement said.
The troops also recovered over 20 bicycles, weapons, and a cache of logistics supplies believed to be critical to the terrorists’ operations. In a related development, suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers were arrested around the Bukarti axis while allegedly conveying a large quantity of drugs intended for the insurgents.
Meanwhile, troops foiled a kidnap attempt along the Buratai-Kamuya road on the same day after detecting suspicious terrorist activities. The swift response forced the attackers to abandon their victims and retreat into nearby bushes.
Two victims, identified as Mallam Idris Adamu and Mallam Muhammadu Safiyanu, were rescued and reunited with their families in Buratai. Similarly, troops responding to a distress call along the Chibok-Damboa axis on February 9 rescued nine kidnapped victims.
The military authorities said the operations underscore OPHK’s sustained efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities, disrupt their logistics networks, and protect civilians across the North East region.
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