Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI have repelled coordinated terrorist assaults on Pulka and Mandaragirau communities in Borno State, killing several insurgents and forcing others to retreat after intense engagements late on February 14, 2026.
In a statement signed by Lt Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, HADIN KAI, the military said the attackers attempted to overrun defensive positions in both locations but were met with disciplined resistance, superior firepower, and swift tactical response from troops, who maintained control of their positions and reaffirmed operational dominance in the theatre.
According to the statement, a large group of suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram fighters advanced from the Sambisa Forest axis and launched a fierce attack on Sector 1 troops in Pulka. Troops engaged the insurgents in an intense firefight, containing and reversing the assault.
Although part of the defensive perimeter was briefly breached, resulting in damage to some military assets and accommodation facilities, reinforcement from 26 Brigade compelled the attackers to withdraw towards the Sambisa axis.
Military authorities said intelligence reports indicated that the terrorists suffered heavy casualties, including a senior commander identified as Abou Aisha. No soldier was reported killed in the Pulka engagement.
In a related incident, troops of Sector 2 in Mandaragirau came under a coordinated multi-pronged attack by ISWAP fighters using gun trucks and motorcycles. The military said troops, who had anticipated the assault, engaged the attackers decisively and successfully defended the location without a breach.
However, the statement noted that some soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force lost their lives during the defence, while a few troops sustained injuries and were evacuated for treatment by the air component of the operation and army aviation platforms.
Follow-up operations along the Kimba axis reportedly revealed evidence of insurgent casualties and abandoned equipment, with eyewitness accounts indicating that multiple injured fighters were evacuated from the area.
The Military High Command commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience, stating that the failed attacks reflect growing pressure on terrorist elements. Authorities reaffirmed that Operation HADIN KAI remains committed to dismantling insurgent networks and restoring stability across the North-East.
