By Hadiza Mohammed Northern Operation,
Nigerian troops under Operation HADIN KAI, backed by the Nigerian Air Force and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a military location in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack occurred on Monday, September 7, 2026, as troops continued counter-terrorism operations in the area.
According to the Joint Task Force, the terrorists launched an intense assault on the military position but were unable to breach the troops’ defensive lines.
The soldiers reportedly responded with sustained firepower and strong resistance, forcing the attackers to abandon their offensive and withdraw from the area with casualties.
The military said its positions across Pulka remained firmly under the control of security forces throughout the encounter.
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided aerial support during the engagement, including Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage to enhance the troops’ situational awareness and coordination.
As the terrorists attempted to retreat, the Air Component carried out precision strikes against identified hostile elements, disrupting their withdrawal and preventing them from regrouping, according to the military.
The CJTF also supported the operation by providing local information and assisting troops with situational awareness.
One soldier sustained a gunshot wound to the left arm during the confrontation. He was immediately evacuated for medical treatment and stabilised. The military said the soldier is responding to treatment and remains in stable condition.
Following the withdrawal of the terrorists, troops commenced exploitation operations to assess the damage inflicted on the attackers, recover abandoned weapons and equipment, and gather intelligence for possible follow-up operations against the fleeing elements.
The Joint Task Force described the successful defence of the position as a demonstration of the troops’ courage, combat readiness and determination to prevent terrorist groups from gaining ground in the North-East.
It also said the coordinated response involving ground forces, the Air Component and the CJTF underscored the importance of joint operations in confronting terrorist threats in the region.
Troops remain deployed across Pulka and surrounding areas on heightened alert, with patrols, surveillance and offensive and defensive operations continuing.
The military said it would sustain pressure on terrorist elements while taking measures to protect civilians and their property.
Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and provide credible information about suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest security formation.
The military reiterated its commitment to defeating terrorism, protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and creating conditions for lasting peace and stability in the North-East.
