Army repels ISWAP attack, launches air-ground counter-offensive in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled an attack by suspected ISWAP terrorists in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, following a coordinated air and ground counter-offensive that inflicted heavy losses on the insurgents.

The Acting Military Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

According to the statement, the terrorists launched attacks on military positions at Dusten Kura and Chara Road in the Buratai axis during the early hours of June 19, 2026.

Captain Goni said troops quickly detected the movement of the insurgents through intelligence reports and responded with superior firepower.

“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.

He noted that the operation involved close coordination between ground forces and the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai.

“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,” he stated.

The military said the Nigerian Air Force provided intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support, alongside precision air strikes that played a crucial role in disrupting the assault.

According to the statement, the air support integrated seamlessly with ground operations, inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers and forced them 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 confusion,” the statement added.

The Army said no casualties were recorded among troops during the operation, while the terrorists suffered significant losses in personnel and equipment.

“It is worthy to note that no casualties were recorded on own troops, while the terrorists suffered significant losses in personnel and equipment,” the statement said.

The Theatre Command described the operation as another demonstration of effective synergy between air and ground forces in ongoing counter-insurgency operations across the North-East.

The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.