By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, have successfully repelled coordinated terrorist attacks on Pulka and Mandaragirau in Borno State, demonstrating strong operational control and resilience across the theatre.
According to a statement issued by the task force’s Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the assaults were launched late on February 14, 2026, as insurgents attempted to overrun defensive positions in both locations. However, troops responded with disciplined firepower, tactical coordination and firm resolve, forcing the attackers to retreat after suffering heavy losses.
The statement explained that a large group of suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters advanced from the Sambisa Forest axis and mounted a fierce attack on Sector 1 troops in Pulka. Soldiers engaged the insurgents in an intense firefight, successfully containing and reversing the assault.
Although a section of the defensive perimeter was briefly breached, resulting in the destruction of some combat equipment and accommodation facilities, swift reinforcement by the 26 Brigade with superior firepower compelled the terrorists to withdraw in disarray toward the Sambisa axis.
Military intelligence sources indicated that the attackers recorded severe casualties, including a senior commander identified as Abou Aisha, who reportedly died from a critical gunshot wound to the neck. Troops recorded no fatalities during the Pulka encounter.
In a related operation, Sector 2 troops at Mandaragirau also came under a coordinated multi-directional attack by ISWAP fighters using gun trucks and motorcycles. Anticipating the move, troops had strategically deployed combat teams that engaged the insurgents in a fierce battle and successfully repelled the attack without any breach of the location.
However, the military confirmed that some soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force lost their lives while defending the position, while a number of personnel sustained injuries. The wounded were promptly evacuated by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai and Nigerian Army aviation units for medical treatment.
Follow-up clearance operations along the Kimba axis later uncovered blood trails, shallow graves and abandoned equipment. Eyewitness accounts also confirmed that several terrorist casualties were evacuated toward Kimba, further indicating the scale of losses suffered by the attackers.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their bravery, professionalism and fighting spirit, noting that the failed assaults reflect increasing pressure on terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
The task force reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling terrorist networks, protecting civilian communities and restoring lasting peace and economic stability across the region.
