OPERATION HADIN KAI FOILS TERRORIST ATTACK ON KUKAWA, NEUTRALISES SEVERAL TERRORISTS
Coordinated Ground and Air Operations Interdict Fleeing Terrorists
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have foiled a terrorist attack on Kukawa town in Borno State, killing several terrorists and destroying motorcycles used by the group during its withdrawal.
The attack occurred at about 2250 hours on 28 August 2026, when terrorists engaged troops of 101 Special Forces Battalion deployed in Kukawa. The soldiers responded with direct and indirect fire, forcing the attackers to withdraw towards the Cross Kauwa axis.
Several terrorists were killed during the exchange, while others sustained gunshot wounds as they fled the area. A subsequent ground operation led to the recovery of terrorist corpses, providing further confirmation of the casualties inflicted during the encounter.
As the terrorists attempted to escape towards Cross Kauwa on motorcycles, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI was deployed to intercept them. Despite difficult weather conditions, the aircraft engaged terrorists who had taken cover beneath trees, killing an estimated 10 fighters.
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets of the Multinational Joint Task Force subsequently tracked approximately 20 motorcycles transporting fleeing terrorists towards the Tunbuns and Kangarwa axis.
The intelligence enabled the Air Component to conduct a follow up precision strike against the fleeing group. The operation reportedly killed another 15 terrorists and destroyed 10 motorcycles, further reducing the group’s mobility and capacity to mount sustained attacks.
During subsequent exploitation operations, ground troops recovered two motorcycles, killed another terrorist and recovered assorted ammunition and other items believed to belong to the terrorist group.
The coordinated response prevented the attackers from consolidating their withdrawal and regrouping after the failed assault. The integration of ground troops, air power and intelligence assets also enabled the military to pursue the fleeing terrorists beyond the immediate site of the attack.
Following the engagement, troops were replenished by air with essential combat supplies to sustain operations and maintain pressure on the terrorists.
Four military personnel sustained injuries during the engagement, although none was reported to have suffered life threatening injuries. The wounded personnel were evacuated by air for medical treatment and were said to be in stable condition.
Troops have commenced reorganisation and further exploitation of the operational area, while battle damage assessment and evaluation of the engagement continue.
The operation demonstrates the operational value of combining ground response, aerial intervention and intelligence surveillance during attacks on military positions and surrounding communities. In Kukawa, the initial defensive action by ground troops was followed by aerial pursuit of the withdrawing attackers, limiting their opportunity to regroup and preserve their fighting strength.
Operation HADIN KAI continues to conduct offensive operations and intelligence led surveillance across the North East with the objective of disrupting terrorist formations, restricting their freedom of movement and protecting communities within the theatre.
