Troops of the Nigerian Army under the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have repelled coordinated terrorist assaults in Limankara and Kukawa, Borno State, neutralising 25 suspected ISWAP fighters and recovering 13 AK-47 rifles.
The development was disclosed in a statement by the Theatre Command’s Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Sani Uba. According to him, troops of Sector 2 under Operation DESERT SANITY V carried out a precision offensive in the early hours of February 22, 2026, around Lamusheri Village in Gujba Local Government Area, identified as a key insurgent logistics and attack base.
Fifteen militants were killed during the firefight, while others reportedly escaped with injuries. Several structures used for defensive and logistical purposes were destroyed, alongside five tricycles and two vehicles allegedly deployed for terrorist operations.
In a related encounter, insurgents attempted to infiltrate the Forward Operating Base in Limankara but were met with coordinated resistance from ground forces and air support from the Nigerian Air Force, forcing them to retreat.
Later that night, militants launched a multi-directional attack on troops in Kukawa using gun trucks and motorcycles.
Security forces, backed by precision airstrikes, overpowered the assailants, destroying a gun truck and several motorcycles while eliminating additional fighters.
Follow-up operations led to the recovery of weapons, ammunition, communication devices, and other equipment.
The army confirmed that one soldier was killed in action, while wounded personnel were evacuated by military aviation helicopters and are reported to be in stable condition.
