Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), supported by the Air Component and Nigerian Army Aviation, have successfully repelled a daring attack by ISWAP terrorists on the 120 Task Force Battalion, Gonori, under Sector 2, in a highly coordinated operation that resulted in heavy terrorist casualties and the recovery of arms and ammunition.
The failed terrorist attack occurred in the late hours of Saturday, 9 May 2026, extending into the early hours of Sunday, 10 May 2026.
The terrorists, who advanced from the Mandunari axis at about midnight, were promptly detected by troops deployed on ambush duties. Acting on timely intelligence and established joint operational protocols, ground forces immediately launched a well-coordinated spoiling attack, effectively trapping the terrorists within a devastating killing zone before they could penetrate the defensive perimeter of the camp.
In further demonstration of the growing synergy and interoperability among Nigeria’s security forces, air platforms from the Air Component of OPHK and the Nigerian Army Aviation were swiftly deployed to support the ground troops in a synchronised air-land assault. The coordinated strikes decimated the fleeing insurgents and sealed the complete failure of the attack.
At no time was the camp breached, and no equipment was lost during the encounter.
Preliminary exploitation of the general area revealed extensive blood trails, body parts, and multiple signs of severe battle damage consistent with significant terrorist losses. Several terrorist corpses were also recovered within the vicinity of the engagement area.
Items recovered from the terrorists include one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), two PKT machine guns, five AK-47 rifles, several belts of assorted ammunition, and other combat accessories.
Troops currently receiving medical attention for injuries sustained during the encounter are stable and responding well to treatment.
Exploitation and pursuit operations remain ongoing to consolidate the gains recorded during the operation and track fleeing terrorists attempting to escape the area.
The successful defence of Gonori once again underscores the effectiveness of enhanced coordination, intelligence-led operations, and jointness among the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in the counter-terrorism campaign. It further reflects the sustained operational coherence being driven across the theatre in line with ongoing national security coordination efforts.
Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in its mandate to deny terrorists freedom of action and sustain pressure on all criminal elements threatening peace and security in the North East.
