Troops of the Joint Task Force in the North-East under Operation HADIN KAI have repelled multiple coordinated attacks by Islamic State West Africa Province targeting military positions in Delwa, Goniri, Kukawa, Mainok and a troop harbour deep inside the Sambisa Forest.
The attacks took place overnight between March 8 and 9, 2026, with the terrorists launching simultaneous assaults from multiple directions in an attempt to overwhelm military formations.
The latest operational development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, Sani Uba.
According to the statement, troops maintained their defensive positions despite the intensity of the attacks and the heavy weapons deployed by the terrorists.
“Fighting across multiple fronts, the troops effectively coordinated their defensive actions while reinforcements and the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided timely and decisive support during the engagements.
“The terrorists were consequently met with overwhelming resistance and were forced into withdrawal after suffering significant casualties from several terrorist bodies left behind,” the statement said.
The military said troops recovered several weapons and equipment abandoned by the fleeing insurgents. These included two PKT machine guns, six AK-47 rifles, eight rocket-propelled grenade bombs, four mortar bombs and assorted ammunition of different calibres.
During the intense firefights, parts of the defensive perimeters in Goniri and Kukawa were briefly breached, while some base structures and vehicles were damaged.
However, the military confirmed that all positions remain under the control of Operation HADIN KAI forces. Ground troops supported by the air component are currently carrying out follow-up exploitation operations and cordon-and-search missions in surrounding communities where injured insurgents may have fled.
“In the course of the engagements, sections of the defensive perimeters at Goniri and Kukawa were momentarily breached, while a number of structures within the bases and vehicles sustained damage due to the intensity of the firefights.
“All locations, however, remain firmly under the control of Operation HADIN KAI troops. Ground forces, supported by the Air Component, are currently conducting follow-up exploitation operations in the affected areas,” the statement added.
The military also confirmed that some soldiers lost their lives during the engagements, including an officer in Kukawa who died while defending the nation and protecting civilians.
“Regrettably, the engagements claimed the lives of some brave and gallant soldiers, including an outstanding officer in Kukawa, who paid the ultimate price in defence of our nation and the protection of innocent citizens. Their sacrifices will continue to inspire their comrades in the ongoing fight against terrorism,” the statement said.
Despite the losses, the military said troops remain vigilant and determined to continue sustained operations aimed at denying insurgents freedom of action and restoring lasting security across the North-East.
The success adds to previous counter-insurgency operations carried out under Operation HADIN KAI, which have included coordinated airstrikes and ground offensives targeting insurgent hideouts linked to ISWAP and Boko Haram within the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.
What you should know
Operation HADIN KAI is the Nigerian military’s main counter-insurgency mission in the North-East, launched to combat Boko Haram and ISWAP militants operating in Borno and neighbouring states.
The Sambisa Forest and nearby communities have long served as strongholds for insurgent groups due to their difficult terrain. In recent years, the military has intensified joint air and ground operations to dismantle these camps and restore security in the region.
However, insurgents continue to carry out sporadic attacks on military formations and civilian communities as the conflict persists.
