Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation HADIN KAI, supported by the Nigerian Air Force and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have demonstrated remarkable courage and fighting spirit by firmly holding their positions and successfully contained an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a military location in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government of Borno State, on 7 September 2026.
A statement signed by Captain Mohammed Goni Acting Military Information Officer headquarters Joint task force north east operation hadin Kai said the terrorists launched the attack as troops continued ongoing counter-terrorism operations within the area. Despite the intensity of the attack, the troops stood their ground and responded with sustained firepower and determined resistance, denying the terrorists any opportunity to breach or overrun their positions. The troops’ resolute response forced the terrorists to abandon the assault and withdraw from the area with casualties, while military positions across Pulka remained securely under the control of the security forces.
The engagement was further strengthened by timely air support from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI. Air assets provided critical Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage, giving ground troops enhanced awareness of the unfolding situation and enabling effective coordination of the response. As the terrorists attempted to escape following the fierce resistance from ground troops, the air component conducted precision strikes on identified hostile elements, disrupting their withdrawal and further frustrating their efforts to regroup. The Civilian Joint Task Force also played an important supporting role during the operation by providing useful local information and assisting the troops in maintaining situational awareness.
During the fierce encounter, one soldier sustained a gunshot injury to the left arm. He was promptly evacuated for medical attention, stabilised and is currently responding to treatment, with his condition reported to be stable. Meanwhile, following the withdrawal of the terrorists, troops immediately commenced exploitation operations to determine the extent of damage inflicted on the attackers, recover abandoned weapons and equipment, and obtain further intelligence that could facilitate follow-up operations against the fleeing terrorist elements.
The successful defence of the military position once again underscores the determination, bravery and combat readiness of troops of Operation HADIN KAI. Faced with an aggressive terrorist assault, the troops refused to yield ground and effectively frustrated the attackers’ attempt to disrupt military operations in Pulka. Their coordinated action with the Air Component and CJTF further demonstrated the effectiveness of joint efforts in confronting terrorist threats across the Theatre.
Troops remain firmly deployed and on heightened alert across the area, with aggressive patrols, surveillance and other offensive and defensive operations continuing to deny terrorist elements freedom of movement and action. The military will sustain pressure on the terrorists while taking necessary measures to safeguard the lives and property of law abiding citizens.
Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and promptly provide credible information on suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest security formation. The Nigerian military remains steadfast in its resolve to defeat terrorism and other forms of insecurity, protect the territorial integrity of the nation and create the conditions necessary for sustainable peace and stability across the North East.
