Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), supported by the Nigerian Air Force and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have foiled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a military location in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack occurred on September 7, 2026, while the troops were conducting ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the area.
According to an official statement signed by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, the terrorists launched an intense assault on the military position but were met with sustained firepower and determined resistance from the troops.
The troops successfully held their positions and denied the terrorists any opportunity to breach or overrun the military location.
The statement said the terrorists were eventually forced to abandon the assault and withdraw from the area with casualties, while military positions across Pulka remained firmly under the control of the security forces.
The engagement was reinforced by air support from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, which provided Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage to enhance the ground troops’ situational awareness and coordination.
As the terrorists attempted to escape, air assets conducted precision strikes against identified hostile elements, disrupting their withdrawal and frustrating attempts to regroup.
The CJTF also supported the operation by providing useful local information and assisting troops in maintaining situational awareness during the encounter.
However, one soldier sustained a gunshot wound to the left arm during the fierce engagement. He was promptly evacuated for medical attention, stabilised and is currently responding to treatment, with his condition reported to be stable.
Following the terrorists’ withdrawal, troops commenced exploitation operations to assess the extent of damage inflicted on the attackers, recover abandoned weapons and equipment, and gather intelligence to support follow-up operations against the fleeing terrorist elements.
The successful defence of the military position underscores the troops’ combat readiness and determination to deny terrorist groups freedom of movement and action in the North East.
Troops remain deployed and on heightened alert across Pulka and surrounding areas, with aggressive patrols, surveillance and other offensive and defensive operations continuing.
The military said it would sustain pressure on terrorist elements while taking necessary measures to protect the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.
Members of the public were also urged to remain vigilant and promptly provide credible information on suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest security formation.
