Troops Repel Terrorist Attack on Kukawa, Neutralise 26 Terrorists in Borno
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully repelled a terrorist attack on Kukawa town in Borno State, neutralising at least 26 terrorists and destroying 10 motorcycles during coordinated ground and air operations.
The attack was launched at about 10:50 p.m. on August 28, 2026, against troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion deployed in Kukawa.
The troops responded with direct and indirect fire, forcing the terrorists to withdraw towards the Cross Kauwa axis. Several attackers were neutralised during the engagement, while others reportedly sustained gunshot wounds as they fled.
Following the withdrawal, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI was activated to track and interdict the fleeing terrorists. Despite challenging weather conditions, air assets engaged terrorists taking cover under trees, neutralising an estimated 10 of them.
Meanwhile, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets of the Multinational Joint Task Force tracked about 20 motorcycles carrying fleeing terrorists towards the Tunbuns/Kangarwa axis.
Acting on the intelligence, the Air Component conducted a follow-up precision strike, reportedly neutralising an additional 15 terrorists and destroying 10 motorcycles.
Subsequent ground exploitation of the area led to the recovery of two motorcycles, ammunition and other items, while another terrorist was also neutralised.
According to the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the coordinated operation disrupted the terrorist attack, blocked the attackers’ withdrawal routes and further weakened their ability to regroup or sustain operations in the area.
Four military personnel sustained injuries during the engagement. The injuries were reportedly not life-threatening, and the affected personnel were evacuated by air for medical attention and are in stable condition.
Troops have since commenced reorganisation and extensive exploitation of the operational area, while battle damage assessment and further evaluation of the encounter continue.
The Joint Task Force said the successful defence of Kukawa demonstrated the effectiveness of integrating ground forces, air power and intelligence capabilities in responding to terrorist threats.
It added that Operation HADIN KAI would sustain intelligence-led surveillance and coordinated ground and air operations aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities, restricting their freedom of movement and protecting communities across the North-East.
Troops Repel Terrorist Attack on Kukawa, Neutralise 26 Terrorists in Borno