By ZAKAA LAZARUS
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have demonstrated exceptional courage and operational superiority by decisively thwarted coordinated terrorist attacks in Pulka and Mandaragirau, in Borno State.
According to a statement issued by the information officer, headquarters operation Hadin, Lt Col Sani Uba, troops determined assaults launched late on 14 February 2026, terrorists sought to overrun defensive positions in both locations.
He said through the battle disciplined , firepower, tactical foresight, and steadfast resolve, troops held their ground, inflicted heavy losses on the attackers, and reaffirmed OPHK’s dominance across the theatre.
According to the statement, the same night, a large group of suspected BHT/ ISWAP terrorists advanced from the Sambisa Forest axis and launched a fierce attack on troops of Sector 1 in Pulka. In a well-coordinated response, troops engaged the terrorists in an intense firefight, successfully containing and reversing the assault.
He said a section of the perimeter was briefly breached leading to the destruction of some combat enablers and accommodation. Impressively, swift reinforcement with overwhelming firepower from 26 Brigade forced the terrorists to retreat in disarray towards the Sambisa axis.
He revealed that a credible intelligence indicates that the terrorists suffered severe casualties, including a senior commander identified as Abou Aisha who sustained a critical gunshot injury to the neck leading to his death alongside significant losses of weapons and equipment. There was no single human casualty to troops during the attack on Pulka.
“In a related development, troops of Sector 2 at Mandaragirau came under a coordinated multi-pronged attack by ISWAP terrorists mounted on gun trucks and motorcycles. Anticipating such action, troops had tactically emplaced combat teams that decisively engaged the terrorists.Interestingly , the attack was successfully thwarted after a fierce exchange without any breach to the defence of the location.
“Regrettably, some gallant personnel and Civilian Joint Task Force members paid the supreme price in the defence of their location, while few soldiers sustained injuries and were immediately evacuated by Air Component of OPHK and the Nigerian Army Aviation platforms. Their sacrifice embodies the highest traditions of service, courage, and commitment to the defence of Nigeria.
Follow-up exploitation along the Kimba axis revealed blood trails,shallow graves and abandoned items, while eyewitness accounts confirmed the evacuation of multiple terrorist casualties towards Kimba, further underscoring the scale of enemy losses.
The Military High Command commended the bravery, utmost professionalism and fighting spirit of the troops, noting that these failed attacks reflect the growing desperation of terrorist elements under sustained operational pressure. OPHK remains resolute in its mandate to dismantle terrorist networks, safeguard communities, and restore lasting peace and economic stability across the North East region.
