The Nigerian Army says troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in the Buratai axis of Borno State, following a coordinated air and ground counter-offensive that inflicted heavy losses on the insurgents.
In a statement issued on Friday, Acting Military Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the attack occurred in the early hours of June 19, 2026, when ISWAP fighters launched assaults on military positions in the area.
“ISWAP terrorists launched multiple attacks on troops’ locations at Dusten Kura and Chara Road in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State,” the statement said.
According to the Army, troops swiftly detected the attack through intelligence and responded with a coordinated air and ground operation.
“The alert troops, supported by robust intelligence, promptly detected the incursion and responded with superior firepower in a well-coordinated air and ground counter-attack,” Goni said.
The military credited the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai with playing a decisive role through intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, as well as precision air strikes.
“The prompt and effective employment of the Air Component of OPHK, particularly Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets, as well as precision strike platforms of the Nigerian Air Force, proved decisive,” the statement added.
The Army said the combined operation disrupted the insurgents’ offensive, inflicted heavy casualties and forced the attackers to retreat.
“The precision air support integrated seamlessly with ground forces, disrupted the terrorists’ assault and inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, forcing them to flee in disarray,” it said.
The military also reported that no soldiers were killed during the operation, while the insurgents suffered significant losses in personnel and equipment.
“It is worthy to note that no casualties were recorded among own troops, while the terrorists suffered significant losses in personnel and equipment,” the statement said.
The Theatre Command described the operation as further evidence of effective coordination between air and ground forces in ongoing counter-insurgency efforts across the North-East.
It reaffirmed Operation Hadin Kai’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies.
