Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have reportedly killed 26 terrorists after repelling an attack around Kadiya village in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to Naija News, the operation followed intelligence concerning the movement of suspected terrorists around the Kukawa axis on Friday, August 28, 2026.
Terrorists Attack Special Forces
The suspected terrorists reportedly encountered personnel of the 101 Special Forces Battalion at about 10:45 p.m.
The troops responded with direct and indirect fire, forcing the attackers to withdraw towards the Cross Kauwa axis.
Operation Hadin Kai’s Air Component was subsequently deployed to support the ground troops and prevent the fleeing fighters from regrouping.
Air Strikes Target Fleeing Fighters
The Nigerian Air Force reportedly conducted two precision strikes against the retreating terrorists.
The first strike targeted about 10 fighters who had taken shelter beneath trees following the initial confrontation.
A second strike was conducted against another group fleeing towards the Tunbuns-Kangarwa axis after intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets tracked their movement.
The military assessment indicated that 25 terrorists were killed during the two air strikes, while 10 motorcycles used by the fighters were destroyed.
Ground Troops Recover Ammunition
During a clearance operation conducted at about 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, troops reportedly discovered the body of another terrorist along the withdrawal route, bringing the reported casualty figure to 26.
The troops also recovered two motorcycles, 253 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm PKT ammunition, 12 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two anti-aircraft rounds.
Other recovered items reportedly included a bag, protective eyewear, spectacles and two wristwatches.
Four Soldiers Injured
Four soldiers sustained injuries during the confrontation and were evacuated for medical treatment.
The military said their injuries were not life-threatening and that the personnel were in stable condition.
Zagazola Makama also reported that a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle was damaged during the attack.
Military Continues Clearance Operations
Operation Hadin Kai said troops had commenced further clearance and exploitation of the area, while the battle-damage assessment remained ongoing.
The Joint Task Force described the operation as an example of coordinated ground, air and intelligence capabilities being used to counter terrorist attacks in the North-East.
The figure of 26 terrorists killed is based on reports from military and counter-insurgency sources and had not been independently verified at the time of publication.
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