Troops Repel Coordinated Attacks in Pulka, Mandaragirau, Eliminate Senior ISWAP Commander, Several Fighters
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully repelled coordinated terrorist assaults on Pulka and Mandaragirau in Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and killing a senior insurgent commander during the fierce engagements.
The attacks, launched late on February 14, 2026, targeted defensive positions in the two communities in what military sources described as a desperate attempt by terrorists to overrun troops’ locations. However, the assaults were decisively thwarted through what the military termed disciplined firepower, tactical foresight, and rapid reinforcement.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), troops under Operation HADIN KAI demonstrated “exceptional courage and operational superiority” in holding their ground against the attackers.
Pulka Assault Foiled
In Pulka, troops of Sector 1 came under heavy attack from a large group of suspected Boko Haram terrorists and ISWAP fighters advancing from the Sambisa Forest axis. The insurgents reportedly launched a fierce and coordinated assault aimed at breaching the defensive perimeter.
Troops responded with a well-coordinated counteroffensive, engaging the terrorists in an intense firefight that successfully contained and reversed the attack. Although a section of the perimeter was briefly breached—resulting in the destruction of some combat enablers and accommodation facilities—swift reinforcement from the 26 Brigade turned the tide.
With overwhelming firepower brought to bear, the terrorists were forced to retreat in disarray towards the Sambisa axis.
Military intelligence sources indicated that the attackers suffered severe casualties during the engagement. Among those reportedly killed was a senior ISWAP commander identified as Abou Aisha, who sustained a critical gunshot wound to the neck. Several other terrorists were neutralised, while weapons and equipment were recovered.
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Notably, there were no human casualties recorded among troops during the Pulka encounter.
Mandaragirau Attack Repelled
In a related development, troops of Sector 2 at Mandaragirau also came under a coordinated, multi-pronged attack by ISWAP fighters mounted on gun trucks and motorcycles.
Anticipating such an assault, troops had tactically positioned combat teams to counter any attempted incursion. The terrorists were met with heavy resistance in a fierce exchange of fire that ultimately thwarted the attack without any breach of the defensive position.
However, the military confirmed that some personnel and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) paid the supreme price while defending the location. A few soldiers also sustained injuries and were promptly evacuated by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and Nigerian Army Aviation platforms for medical attention.
The statement described their sacrifice as embodying “the highest traditions of service, courage, and commitment to the defence of Nigeria.”
Evidence of Heavy Terrorist Losses
Follow-up exploitation operations conducted along the Kimba axis reportedly revealed blood trails, shallow graves, and abandoned equipment. Eyewitness accounts further confirmed that multiple terrorist casualties were evacuated towards Kimba, underscoring what the military described as the scale of enemy losses.
The Military High Command commended the bravery and professionalism of the troops, noting that the failed attacks reflect the growing desperation of terrorist elements under sustained operational pressure across the North East theatre.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its resolve to dismantle terrorist networks, safeguard vulnerable communities, and restore lasting peace and economic stability in the region.
The renewed offensive posture comes amid intensified clearance operations targeting remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP factions operating from forested enclaves and border corridors in Borno State and adjoining areas.
Military authorities maintained that troops remain vigilant and battle-ready to respond decisively to any further attempts by insurgents to destabilise communities in the North East.
By PRNigeria
