In a fierce and well-coordinated counter-operation, troops of the Joint Task Force North East (Operation HADIN KAI) have inflicted heavy casualties on Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists who attempted a surprise infiltration on military positions in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, June 19, 2026, along the strategic Dutsen Kura and Chara road — a critical link connecting Biu to Buni Yadi and Damaturu, an area long plagued by kidnappings and ambushes.
How the Battle Unfolded
According to a senior security source who spoke to Vanguard News, the terrorists launched multiple coordinated attacks on troops’ locations in a bid to overrun the positions and disrupt military operations in the axis.
However, the alert troops, backed by robust intelligence, detected the incursion early. What followed was a devastating response.
The troops engaged the attackers with superior firepower in a well-synchronised ground and air counter-offensive. The Nigerian Air Force provided decisive support through Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms and precision strike capabilities. The seamless integration of air power and ground forces caught the terrorists off guard, disrupting their assault and forcing them into a disorderly retreat.
The source confirmed:
“OPHK Troops once again demonstrated its operational dominance and combat readiness by successfully defeating ISWAP attack and launching a devastating counter-offensive against the terrorists in the Buratai axis… The prompt and effective employment of the Air Component of OPHK, particularly Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance as well as precision strike platforms from the Nigerian Air Force, proved decisive.”
Importantly, no casualties were recorded on the side of the troops, while the terrorists suffered significant losses in both personnel and equipment.
Strategic Importance of the Location
The Dutsen Kura and Chara road has been a major flashpoint due to its connectivity. Terrorists have repeatedly used the axis to carry out kidnappings and ambushes on travellers and security convoys. Friday’s failed attack appears to have been an attempt to weaken military presence in this vital corridor.
The successful repulsion of the attack is being hailed as another demonstration of the high state of readiness of Operation HADIN KAI troops and the growing synergy between ground forces and the Air Component.
The Theatre Command has vowed to sustain aggressive offensive operations to decisively degrade terrorist capabilities and restore lasting peace to the North East.
The public has been urged to continue providing timely intelligence to security forces while remaining vigilant.
Source: Vanguard News
