Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have reportedly killed more than 20 suspected terrorists during intelligence-led air operations in parts of Borno State.
The military said the operations were conducted in Monguno and Biu Local Government Areas between the night of August 21 and the early hours of August 22, 2026.
According to the Operation HADIN KAI headquarters, the strikes followed credible intelligence and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions that identified suspected terrorist movements and concentrations.
Airstrikes Target Terrorist Concentrations
The military said one of the operations took place around the Aduwa axis in Monguno LGA, where an armed reconnaissance platform reportedly detected a group of suspected terrorists before identifying a larger concentration within a settlement.
Following the necessary operational procedures and authorisation, precision strikes were carried out against the identified targets.
The military said subsequent battle damage assessment indicated that about 16 suspected terrorists were neutralised in two separate strikes.
The platform reportedly continued surveillance of the area and later detected another group attempting to regroup away from the initial target.
A further precision engagement was conducted, with the military estimating that about 10 additional suspected terrorists were successfully engaged.
Operation in Biu
In a separate operation around Buratai in Biu Local Government Area, another Operation HADIN KAI aircraft reportedly tracked a group of suspected terrorists gathered at a location.
Following sustained surveillance and the required authorisation, the aircraft conducted a precision strike on the identified target.
The military said the operation resulted in the deaths of about 10 suspected terrorists.
Military Says Pressure on Terrorist Networks Is Increasing
The Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the operations demonstrated the growing effectiveness of the task force’s intelligence and surveillance capabilities.
He said the strikes were aimed at preventing terrorist groups from regrouping, moving freely or launching attacks against troops and vulnerable communities.
According to the military, the sustained operations are also expected to disrupt terrorist command structures, logistics and fighting formations across the North-East.
Operation HADIN KAI said its military operations are being complemented by non-kinetic efforts, including community engagement, strategic communication, humanitarian coordination and encouraging members of terrorist groups to surrender.
The task force said the increasing number of reported surrenders in recent weeks was an indication of growing pressure on terrorist networks.
Public Urged to Remain Vigilant
The military urged residents across the North-East to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible and timely information on suspicious activities.
It said cooperation between communities and security forces remained essential to detecting threats early, protecting lives and property, and consolidating security gains.
Operation HADIN KAI also pledged to sustain coordinated operations against terrorist networks while supporting efforts to restore peace and normal socio-economic activities across the region.
