By Chimezie Godfrey
Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have repelled an attempted attack by suspected ISWAP terrorists on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Auno in Borno State and subsequently launched a counter-offensive that led to the neutralisation of 16 insurgents.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the attack occurred late on February 5, 2026.
“On 5 February 2026 at approximately some minutes to midnight, ISWAP terrorists conducted a failed attack on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Auno. Troops of Sector 1 thwarted the assault with disciplined firepower and tactical precision,” he said.
He explained that troops capitalised on the failed assault and, on February 9, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), launched a counter-offensive along the Komala axis in Konduga Local Government Area.
Uba said the troops pursued the fleeing terrorists up to the Gidan Kaji axis, where 16 insurgents were neutralised, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Items recovered during the operation include over 20 bicycles, weapons, and a large cache of logistics supplies.
The statement added that suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers conveying a large quantity of drugs intended for terrorists were arrested around the Bukarti axis on the same day.
In a related development, troops foiled a kidnap attempt along the Buratai–Kamuya road and rescued two victims identified as Mallam Idris Adamu and Mallam Muhammadu Safiyanu.
“After detection of terrorist activities, troops swiftly pursued, compelling the terrorists to abandon their victims and withdraw into the bushes,” the statement noted.
Additionally, nine kidnapped victims were rescued along the Chibok–Damboa axis following a distress call on February 9.
The military said the operations underscore its commitment to degrading terrorist capabilities and protecting civilians in the North-East.