Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, conducting Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully repelled a cross-border attack by suspected ISWAP/Boko Haram militants in the Kirawa region of Borno State, neutralizing 12 combatants during a fierce confrontation. The incident occurred around 11:00 p.m. on May 22, during the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity V and Siege Operations, as security forces maintained heightened alert in the volatile Northeast region. Security analyst and counter-insurgency specialist Zagazola Makama confirmed the development in a post on his X account, citing reliable sources within the military command structure.
The militants, believed to be operating from Cameroon, attempted to infiltrate Nigerian territory but were detected early as they approached the fortified positions. Troops responded swiftly with superior firepower, forcing the attackers into a disorganized retreat back across the border. Several insurgents were reported to have sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange, underscoring the effectiveness of the defensive response. The operation was supported by intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets, as well as air support and coordination with regional partners, enhancing situational awareness and operational precision.
Initial assessments indicate that 12 terrorists were neutralized in the clash, while an unspecified number were injured. On the Nigerian side, one soldier was injured in action, but there were no reports of equipment loss or casualties among the troops. The military also seized several weapons and materials from the defeated militants, including AK-47 rifles, RPG components, ammunition rounds, and other tactical supplies. These seizures are seen as critical in disrupting the insurgents’ logistical capabilities and supply chains.
Following the engagement, military officials confirmed that troops have retained control of their positions and are actively conducting exploitation operations to prevent any regrouping by fleeing elements. The security situation in the region remains calm but unpredictable, with authorities emphasizing the need for sustained vigilance and operational pressure across all fronts. Operation HADIN KAI continues to play a pivotal role in denying terrorists the freedom to operate and in restoring stability to the North-East operational theater.
The successful repulsion of the cross-border assault highlights the effectiveness of coordinated military efforts and intelligence-led operations in countering insurgent threats. As the military presses on with its mission, the region’s inhabitants are being urged to remain alert and report any suspicious activities. The ongoing operations remain a key component in Nigeria’s broader strategy to combat terrorism and ensure long-term peace in the Northeast.
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