Operation Hadin Kai: Troops Neutralize Four Terrorists in Borno Combat Victory

 

​The Nigerian military has recorded another significant victory in the ongoing war against insurgency in the North East. On Saturday, February 21, 2026, gallant troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully neutralized four terrorists during a high-stakes encounter in Borno State. This successful clearance operation underscores the relentless commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to reclaiming every inch of the Lake Chad Basin from remnants of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). While the operation was a tactical success, it came with a price as one brave soldier sustained injuries during the fierce gun battle.

​The Encounter: Strategic Ambush in the Sambisa Axis

​The operation took place in the early hours of Saturday when troops, acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of insurgent groups, laid a strategic ambush. The encounter occurred in a known transition corridor used by terrorists to move supplies and coordinate attacks on rural communities. Upon making contact, a heavy firefight ensued.

​According to military sources, the troops demonstrated superior firepower and tactical coordination, forcing the insurgents to scramble. In the heat of the exchange, four terrorists were neutralized on the spot, while several others escaped into the thick vegetation with varying degrees of gunshot wounds. The Nigerian Army has since intensified "mop-up" operations in the surrounding bushes to track down the fleeing remnants.

​Bravery Under Fire: One Soldier Injured

​The reality of frontline combat was brought to the fore as the military confirmed that one soldier was injured during the operation. The soldier, whose identity remains protected for security reasons, was reportedly hit during the initial volley of fire from the insurgents.

​Fortunately, the injured hero was immediately evacuated to a military medical facility where he is currently receiving specialized care. Reports indicate that he is in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery. This sacrifice highlights the dangerous environment in which Nigerian troops operate daily to ensure the safety of civilians in the North East.

​Recovered Weaponry and Logistics

​Beyond the elimination of the terrorists, the operation resulted in the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition. This haul is a major blow to the logistical capabilities of the insurgent group in that sector. Items recovered from the scene include:

• ​AK-47 Rifles: Two functional rifles used by the neutralized insurgents.
• ​Ammunition: Several rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
• ​Communication Gear: Handheld radio sets used for coordinating attacks.
• ​Logistics: Improvised Explosive Device (IED) making materials and food supplies.

​The recovery of IED materials is particularly noteworthy, as it prevents potential attacks on civilian transport routes and military convoys in the Borno axis.

​The Current State of Insecurity in Borno (2026)

​While the Nigerian military has successfully degraded the operational capacity of terrorist groups over the last decade, the year 2026 has seen a shift toward guerrilla-style tactics and IED placements. The Borno State Government, led by the commitment to return Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes, relies heavily on these clearance operations to provide the necessary security cover for resettlement.

​The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has frequently lauded the synergy between the Air Component and ground troops of Operation Hadin Kai. The integration of real-time drone surveillance with rapid-response ground units has made it increasingly difficult for terrorists to maintain permanent camps in the Sambisa Forest or the Tumbuks of Lake Chad.

​Community Support: The Pillar of Military Success

​A vital component of this recent victory was the role of local intelligence. The Nigerian Army continues to urge residents of Borno and neighboring Yobe and Adamawa states to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies. The "See Something, Say Something" initiative has proven effective in identifying insurgent hideouts and intercepting suicide bombers before they reach populated areas.

​The military has also called on the remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP to take advantage of the Safe Corridor program, surrender their arms, and undergo deradicalization, warning that those who choose the path of violence will continue to meet the superior force of the Nigerian state.

​Conclusion: A Step Closer to Lasting Peace

​The neutralization of these four terrorists in Borno is more than just a statistic; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Nigerian soldier. Every successful operation reduces the threat level and brings the region one step closer to the peace required for economic revitalization. As the injured soldier recovers, the nation remains indebted to the men and women of Operation Hadin Kai who stand as a shield between the people and the forces of terror.