Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have killed more than 50 terrorists and repelled multiple coordinated attacks on military locations across Borno and Yobe States, the Nigerian military confirmed on Thursday.
The simultaneous assaults occurred between midnight and 4 a.m. on October 23, when armed insurgents launched attacks on troops’ positions in Dikwa, Mafa, Gajibo, and Katarko — areas within Sectors 1 and 2 of the Joint Operations Area 1.
According to a statement issued in Maiduguri by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East (OPHK), Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the troops displayed exceptional bravery and professionalism, inflicting devastating losses on the attackers.
“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) with renewed vigour successfully defeated terrorist attacks on multiple locations across the Joint Operations Area in the early hours of today, 23 October 2025,” Uba said.
He confirmed that the well-coordinated assaults by the terrorists were met with strong resistance from ground troops, supported by precision airstrikes.
“Between midnight and 0400 hours, the terrorists launched coordinated assaults on troops’ positions in Dikwa, Mafa, Gajibo, and Katarko, situated in Sector 1 (Borno State) and Sector 2 (Yobe State), respectively,” he added.
In all cases, the troops reportedly stood firm and fought gallantly, neutralising scores of terrorists while preventing them from overrunning the military positions. “In all instances, troops stood firm, fought gallantly, and professionally repelled the attacks, dealing the terrorists a heavy, decisive and bloody blow,” Uba said.
He further noted that the counteroffensive was supported by the Air Component Command of OPHK, whose precision strikes played a key role in neutralising the insurgents. “The coordinated offensive response was supported by air platforms of the Air Component Command of OPHK.
The precision strikes, coupled with enhanced battlefield awareness provided by Theatre Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, gave troops additional leverage and impetus to respond with overwhelming and lethal force,” he explained.
According to the statement, the combined ground and air efforts led to the neutralisation of more than 50 terrorists across all the locations, with several others reportedly fleeing with gunshot wounds.
Security experts have described the successful defence as a significant morale boost for troops operating in the Northeast, where insurgents have continued to stage sporadic attacks despite recent counterterrorism gains.
The Nigerian military reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens in the region and maintaining pressure on terrorist networks operating within and around the Lake Chad Basin.
“The Theatre remains committed to maintaining its operational momentum and ensuring lasting peace and stability in the region,” the statement concluded.
The latest operation underscores the sustained resolve of Nigerian forces under Operation Hadin Kai to dismantle terrorist strongholds and restore normalcy to communities long affected by insurgency.
