One dies, 25 terrorists killed, several others wounded in Borno clashes

Maiduguri—Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, OPHK, have killed 25 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, lost one soldier, and injured several others while repelling coordinated terrorist attacks in Limankara and Kukawa, Borno State.

The assaults, launched on the night of February 20, 2026, targeted multiple fronts but were swiftly repelled, underscoring the growing operational pressure on terrorist camps, logistics routes, and leadership networks across the region.

Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of JTF OPHK, said troops conducted precision operations in Lamusheri Village, Gujba LGA, a known terrorist hub and logistics base. During the operation, 15 terrorists were killed, defensive structures were destroyed, and weapons, ammunition, and vehicles were either recovered or set ablaze. Scores of insurgents fled the area with gunshot injuries, he added.

Earlier, terrorists attempted to infiltrate the Forward Operating Base, FOB, Limankara, but alert troops engaged them in a fierce firefight, combining ground forces and air support. The assailants were forced to retreat, leaving behind casualties. No troops were harmed in this engagement, according to Uba.

In Kukawa, terrorists launched a coordinated multi-pronged attack using gun trucks, motorcycles, and foot soldiers, approaching from multiple axes. Troops mounted a determined defense, supported by air strikes, which destroyed a gun truck, five motorcycles, and neutralized ten additional fighters. Troops subsequently recovered rifles, loaded magazines, radios, stretchers, and shallow graves left by fleeing insurgents.

Lt. Col. Uba commended the troops for their courage, discipline, and operational excellence, noting that the series of engagements has significantly degraded terrorist capacity in the region. He emphasized that these operations reflect the growing desperation of insurgent groups under sustained military pressure.

The officer added that persistent air and ground coordination continues to deny terrorists freedom of action, disrupt their logistics, and compel them into chaotic withdrawals, thereby enhancing the safety of local communities.

“While one gallant soldier paid the supreme price, the injuries sustained by other personnel are being treated, and all are stable. The military remains resolute in its mission to dismantle terrorist networks, protect civilians, and restore lasting peace and stability across Borno State and the wider North East region,” Uba said.

Culled from vanguard