Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) successfully repelled a series of coordinated terrorist assaults in Pulka and Mandaragirau on the night of February 14, 2026, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and reaffirming military dominance in the region.
securitynewsalert.com gathered that the late-night offensive began when a large group of suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists advanced from the Sambisa Forest axis to launch a fierce attack on troops of Sector 1 in Pulka.
The Nigerian Army reported on its social handle that despite a brief breach of the perimeter that destroyed some combat enablers and accommodation, the troops maintained battle discipline and tactical foresight.
A swift reinforcement from the 26 Brigade provided overwhelming firepower, forcing the insurgents to retreat in disarray back toward the forest.
Intelligence reports later confirmed that the terrorists suffered severe losses during the Pulka encounter. Among the dead was a senior commander identified as Abou Aisha, who reportedly succumbed to a critical gunshot wound to the neck.
Notably, the military confirmed that no personnel casualties were recorded during the Pulka engagement.
Simultaneously, troops of Sector 2 at Mandaragirau faced a multi-pronged attack by ISWAP militants arriving on gun trucks and motorcycles. Having anticipated the movement, the military utilised tactically emplaced combat teams to engage the enemy in a fierce exchange of fire.
While the defence of the location remained unbreached, the encounter came at a cost. Several gallant personnel and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme price, while wounded soldiers were evacuated via Nigerian Army Aviation and OPHK Air Component platforms for medical treatment.
Evidence of the military’s impact was discovered during follow-up exploitation along the Kimba axis, where troops found blood trails, shallow graves, and abandoned equipment. Eyewitness accounts from the area further corroborated reports of multiple terrorist casualties being evacuated toward Kimba following the failed raid.
The Military High Command has commended the bravery and professionalism of the troops, stating that these desperate attacks are a clear sign of the mounting pressure on terrorist networks. Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in its mandate to dismantle remaining insurgent cells and restore lasting economic stability to the North East.
