Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed 12 suspected ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists after repelling an attempted infiltration on a military position in Kirawa, a Nigeria–Cameroon border community in Borno State. The encounter occurred in the early hours of Friday, May 22, 2026, along Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force’s area of responsibility.
According to the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt.-Col. Sanni Uba, the attackers were detected early by troops of the 153 Task Force Battalion. Working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, the soldiers mounted a swift and coordinated response that halted the assault.
“Troops held their ground and contained the assault with overwhelming firepower,” Uba said in a statement issued Saturday. He added that Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance assets, supported by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai and partner forces, provided real-time backing throughout the operation.
After the clash, 12 terrorists were confirmed dead at the scene, while others were seen fleeing with gunshot injuries. The military recovered a cache of weapons, including AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, ammunition, and a PKT machine gun.
Clearance and tracking operations are ongoing in the Kirawa axis, with troops and CJTF combing the area for more insurgents. The military said the coordinated air and ground response was key to preventing casualties on the troops’ side.
The Joint Task Force reiterated its commitment to maintaining pressure on terrorist elements until they are fully neutralized across the North East. The operation falls under the broader “Desert Sanity” and “Siege Operations” being conducted to secure border communities.
Military high command has commended the troops for their alertness and decisive action, urging them to sustain operational momentum. Authorities say securing the Nigeria–Cameroon border remains a priority as insurgents continue to test defenses in remote areas.
