Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a large-scale assault by ISWAP terrorists on a military headquarters and checkpoint in Buni Gari, killing no fewer than 50 insurgents and recovering a substantial cache of weapons.
In the early hours of Thursday, 8 May 2026, terrorists launched a coordinated attack from multiple axes on the Headquarters 27 Brigade and the Buni Gari Checkpoint. The assault, which began at approximately 0200 hours under the cover of darkness, was met with overwhelming firepower and tactical discipline by the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).
According to military sources, the insurgents advanced from the western flank before reinforcing from the southern flank along the Ganinga Junction axis, and later from the south-western flank in an attempt to encircle troops. However, soldiers held their ground, employing indirect fires and executing an offensive-defensive battle that systematically dismantled the attack.
At no point was any part of the camp breached. Exploitation of the area confirmed ten terrorist corpses within the immediate vicinity, while human intelligence reports indicated over 20 additional bodies scattered across bushes around Gashua, Azare, and Kamuya along the insurgents’ escape routes.
The Air Component Command provided persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage, enabling precision air interdiction strikes on confirmed terrorist positions. Airstrikes pursued fleeing insurgents, accounting for an additional 20 neutralised terrorists.
Recovered items include:
· 8 AK-47 rifles
· 2 General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG)
· 2 Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes
· 5 RPG bombs, 3 RPG chargers
· 2 boxes of 7.62mm ammunition, 2 fully loaded magazines, 9 bandoliers
· 3 Improvised Explosive Device (IED) canisters
Troops, alongside volunteer forces, are conducting aggressive exploitation operations to consolidate gains and track fleeing terrorists. Some equipment, including MRAP vehicles and gun-trucks, sustained minimal damage. All wounded personnel are stable and receiving medical care.
Regrettably, two soldiers paid the supreme price. Their sacrifice, the military stated, embodies the highest traditions of service and courage.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its resolve, noting that the failed attack underscores the growing desperation of terrorist elements suffering devastating losses. The Theatre maintains operational dominance across the North East region.
