The Nigerian Army have neutralised 16 insurgents, rescued 11 hostages and arrested suspected terrorists and drug suppliers in Borno State.

The Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force, Northeast Operation Hadin Kai, Lt Col Sanni Uba, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, February 11.

According to him, the 16 terrorists were neutralised on February 9, when troops, in synergy with the Civilian Joint Task Force, launched a counter-offensive along the Komala axis in Konduga Local Government following an earlier attack on a military base on February 5.

The statement reads “Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI have once again demonstrated exceptional resolve and operational superiority by swiftly repelling an ISWAP attack, and launching a devastating follow-on counter-offensive.

“This decisive action has significantly degraded terrorist capabilities, disrupted their logistics, and reaffirmed OPHK’s unwavering commitment to dismantling terrorist networks across the North East region.”

Sanni explained that “On 5 February 2026, at approximately some minutes to midnight, ISWAP terrorists conducted a failed attack on Forward Operating Base Auno. Troops of Sector 1 thwarted the assault with disciplined firepower and tactical precision.

“Capitalising on this success, on 9 February 2026, troops, in synergy with the Civilian Joint Task Force, launched a bold counter-offensive along the Komala axis in Konduga LGA. The troops engaged the retreating terrorists up to the Gidan Kaji axis, neutralising sixteen (16) terrorists, forcing scores to flee in disarray with severe injury.”

According to him, the troops recovered over twenty bicycles, a large cache of logistic items, weapons, and other supplies critical to terrorist operations.

In a separate operation, he said troops arrested suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers conveying a large quantity of drugs meant for terrorists around the Bukarti axis on the same day.

“Relatedly, on the same day, troops foiled a terrorist kidnap attempt along the Buratai-Kamuya road. After the detection of terrorist activities, troops swiftly pursued, compelling the terrorists to abandon their victims and withdraw into the bushes. Two (2) victims, Mallam Idris Adamu and Mallam Muhammadu Safiyanu, were rescued and safely reunited with their families in Buratai.

“Furthermore, in response to a distress call along the Chibok-Damboa axis on 9 February 2026, troops rescued 9 kidnapped victims successfully,” he said.