Nigerian security forces under Operation Hadin Kai have successfully foiled simultaneous attacks by suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP militants on military positions in Pulka and Mandaragirau, Borno State, late Saturday, 15th February, 2026.
The engagements left heavy casualties on the insurgents, including a high-ranking commander, as troops inflicted significant losses during intense firefights.
In a fierce clash in Pulka Pulka, near the Cameroon border, insurgents launched a determined assault from the Sambisa Forest, briefly breaching a section of the perimeter defended by Sector 1 troops. Arrival of reinforcements from the 26 Brigade unleashed heavy firepower that compelled the attackers to withdraw in disarray.
Military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba reported no soldier fatalities in this encounter, crediting precise intelligence and rapid response for the victory. Battlefield assessments, coupled with accounts from locals confirmed substantial insurgent losses, notably the elimination of senior commander Abou Aisha, who succumbed to gunshot wounds.
Follow-up patrols revealed blood trails and abandoned gear, underscoring the toll on the militants.
Multi-Pronged Attack on Mandaragirau
Meanwhile, in Mandaragirau under Sector 2, suspected ISWAP fighters mounted a complex offensive using gun trucks and motorcycles in a bid to overrun the base. Troops and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members engaged the enemy in a prolonged battle, ultimately repelling the incursion.
Casualties occurred among Nigerian personnel, with some soldiers and CJTF operatives being killed and others wounded; the injured were promptly airlifted for medical care. Uba noted that exploitation operations along the Kimba axis uncovered shallow graves, bloodstains, and discarded equipment, with locals reporting insurgents fleeing while carrying their wounded.
These discoveries point to a high insurgent body count, though exact figures remain unconfirmed pending further verification.
Ongoing Counter-Terrorism Efforts
Operation Hadin Kai, the multinational joint task force combating insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast, continues to face persistent threats from Boko Haram and its ISWAP splinter group.
Borno State remains a hotspot, with militants frequently targeting border and remote outposts to test defenses. Recent months have seen intensified military operations, including air strikes and ambushes that neutralized hundreds of terrorists.
With the intervention of the United States government after President Donald Trump’s “Christian Genocide” rhetoric, counter–insurgency measures has bolstered, as disputed U.S. airstrikes allegedly stroke militant targets in late 2025 — signaling international commitment to stabilizing the region.
The Pulka and Mandaragirau repulsions highlight evolving tactics, such as coordinated multi-axis assaults, yet demonstrate the resilience of Nigerian forces amid a protracted conflict that has displaced millions since 2009.
Implications for Regional SecurityThese incidents occur as ISWAP increasingly adopts advanced methods, including armed drones for reconnaissance, complicating ground defenses. Nigerian authorities emphasize that such attacks reflect insurgent desperation under sustained pressure from joint operations.
While specific casualty tallies for troops were not detailed beyond confirmations of losses in Mandaragirau, the military’s ability to hold positions and pursue attackers bolsters morale.
Evacuations and recoveries indicate robust logistical support, crucial for sustaining frontline efforts.Local communities in Borno, long gripped by violence have welcomed these defensive successes, which help safeguard vital routes and reduce civilian exposure to raids.
As operations persist into February 2026, experts anticipate further escalations during dry seasons favoring militant mobility.
The army vows continued vigilance, urging public cooperation through intelligence sharing to dismantle terror networks. These victories, though costly, affirm progress in reclaiming territory and weakening jihadist capabilities in Africa’s longest-running insurgency.