Nigerian troops of the 28 Task Force Brigade, Sector 4, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) successfully repelled a coordinated ISWAP/Boko Haram attack on Chibok, Borno State, in the early hours of Saturday, according to military sources.
The assault, described as large-scale and multi-fronted, involved over 300 terrorists attempting to breach defensive positions in the town. The attackers aimed to overwhelm deployed troops and destabilize the area, a source familiar with the operation confirmed.
“The terrorists launched a coordinated attack from several directions, seeking to take control of key locations in Chibok,” the source said. “However, our troops responded immediately with superior firepower and well-coordinated manoeuvres, engaging the insurgents in a two-hour gun battle that forced them to retreat toward the Timbuktu Triangle.”
The military confirmed that despite the intensity of the assault, there were no casualties among the troops, and no military equipment was damaged during the engagement. The source praised the soldiers’ vigilance and professionalism in containing the attack.
“Troops were alert and highly disciplined. Their swift response ensured the safety of the community and prevented any breach of the defensive positions,” the source added.
Chibok, historically known for the 2014 abduction of schoolgirls by Boko Haram, remains a strategic area in the ongoing counterterrorism efforts in northeastern Nigeria. The town’s security has been a priority for the Nigerian military, which maintains a robust presence in the area.
Following the retreat of the insurgents, ground forces requested air support, leading to the immediate deployment of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) combat aircraft to intercept the fleeing terrorists along the identified withdrawal route.
“The NAF jet delivered precise and devastating strikes along the terrorists’ escape route, obliterating a significant number of fighters and disrupting their movement,” the military source said.
According to the source, the airstrikes were carried out in real-time coordination with intelligence from the ground troops. Four major airstrikes were executed along the insurgents’ withdrawal route toward the Timbuktu Triangle, a known hideout area for ISWAP and Boko Haram elements.
The successful collaboration between ground troops and air units underscores the Nigerian military’s evolving strategy in the fight against insurgency, combining intelligence-led operations, ground defence, and aerial precision strikes.
The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram have been responsible for years of violence across northeastern Nigeria, causing thousands of deaths, mass displacement, and widespread destruction. Both groups continue to target military and civilian locations, including towns, villages, and schools.
Chibok has remained a focus for military operations due to its history as a Boko Haram stronghold and the site of previous attacks on civilians and security personnel. Over the years, Nigerian troops have maintained a strong presence in the area to prevent renewed terrorist activity and ensure the safety of residents.
ISWAP, an offshoot of Boko Haram, is known for its strategic attacks on military installations and civilian targets, often using superior numbers and surprise tactics. However, military sources indicate that coordinated defence measures and intelligence gathering have improved the Nigerian forces’ ability to anticipate and repel such attacks.
Residents of Chibok have expressed relief at the military’s successful defence of their town. Local leaders have called on civilians to remain vigilant while appreciating the Nigerian military’s efforts to maintain security.
“The people of Chibok are grateful to the soldiers who defended us. We urge everyone to cooperate with security forces by reporting suspicious activities and maintaining awareness,” said a community leader who preferred anonymity.
The military has reiterated its commitment to protecting civilians and preventing insurgents from regaining a foothold in strategic towns across Borno State. The success in Chibok highlights the effectiveness of joint operations involving intelligence gathering, rapid response, and coordinated air support.
Operation Hadin Kai, launched in 2015, is the Nigerian military’s counterinsurgency strategy aimed at eliminating Boko Haram and ISWAP threats in the northeast. The operation involves several task force brigades operating under a unified command structure, focusing on intelligence-led offensive and defensive operations.
The 28 Task Force Brigade, Sector 4, is one of the key units responsible for safeguarding towns like Chibok and surrounding communities. Its personnel conduct patrols, surveillance, and rapid response missions to detect and neutralize insurgent threats.
Military sources noted that the successful defence of Chibok reflects both training and operational readiness among troops deployed in high-risk areas.
The repelled attack in Chibok has multiple implications: it prevents loss of life, averts damage to property, and disrupts terrorist networks operating in the region. By neutralizing insurgents during retreat, the military also reduces the potential for future attacks, sending a clear message that Nigerian forces remain vigilant and capable.
