Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have thwarted multiple coordinated infiltration attempts by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters across strategic locations in Borno State, forcing the insurgents into a retreat after intense engagements. The military said the operation prevented attempts to penetrate Maiduguri and nearby communities.
Nigerian troops have repelled a series of coordinated attacks launched by suspected ISWAP terrorists in Borno State, dealing another setback to insurgents attempting to regain operational momentum in the North-East.
The military said the attempted infiltrations targeted key entry points into Maiduguri during the early hours of Friday but were detected in advance, allowing troops to respond swiftly and force the attackers to retreat before they could breach the city.
According to the Headquarters of Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, the attacks occurred between 12:20 a.m. and 2:30 a.m., with terrorists attempting to infiltrate Muna Garage, Shuwari Village and the Ajilari Cross axis.
The military said troops, supported by intelligence gathering and early warning mechanisms, detected the advancing insurgents and engaged them from multiple directions with sustained firepower.
Security forces also foiled additional infiltration attempts at Miringa and Dutsen Kura in the Buratai axis of Borno State.
During the pursuit of fleeing terrorists around Miringa, one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The military, however, confirmed that no personnel were killed or injured in the incident.
The latest operation comes as Nigerian forces intensify offensive campaigns against ISWAP and Boko Haram across the North-East following renewed insurgent activities in recent months.
Military authorities have continued to rely on intelligence-driven operations, aerial surveillance and coordinated ground offensives aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement and preventing attacks on civilian populations and strategic military positions.
Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, said troops have commenced clearance and exploitation operations to track fleeing insurgents and consolidate gains made during the operation.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains vital to ongoing counter-terrorism efforts across the region.
The successful operation underscores the military’s continued efforts to prevent terrorists from regaining access to major population centres in the North-East. While security challenges persist, authorities say sustained offensive operations and intelligence-led missions remain central to degrading the operational capabilities of insurgent groups and restoring lasting stability to the region.