Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have reportedly neutralized several suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, following a failed attack on a military base in Borno State.
Security and military sources said the terrorists launched the attack on a Forward Operating Base, FOB, located in Tungushe, a community in the troubled North-East state, in the early hours of Thursday, May 22, 2026.
According to the sources, the insurgents attempted to overrun the military formation but were met with heavy resistance from troops stationed at the base.
A fierce gun battle reportedly followed as soldiers engaged the attackers for several hours, forcing the insurgents to retreat from the area after suffering casualties.
Following the failed attack, troops of Operation Hadin Kai carried out what military authorities described as follow-up exploitation and clearance operations around the community and surrounding bush areas at about 6:00 a.m.
During the operation, security operatives recovered several items believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
Items recovered from the scene included one mobile phone, three AK-47 magazines, two hand grenades, five belts of PKT ammunition, one locally made grenade, empty shells of PKT and 7.62mm ammunition, clothing materials, slippers, head warmers and fuel supplies.
Military sources said intelligence gathered after the operation indicated that at least 15 terrorists were neutralised during the encounter.
The estimate, according to the sources, was based on blood stains found along escape routes, the intensity of the exchange of gunfire and intelligence assessments from the operation area.
Although the military has yet to officially release the identities of those killed, the attackers were believed to be members of ISWAP, one of the major terrorist groups operating in the Lake Chad region and parts of the North-East.
The sources further stated that the morale of troops remained high despite the repeated attacks by insurgents in the region.
They added that soldiers involved in the operation had continued to show determination and readiness to sustain ongoing counterterrorism operations across the North-East theatre.
Operation Hadin Kai is the military’s counterinsurgency operation established to combat Boko Haram and ISWAP activities in Borno and neighbouring states affected by terrorism.
For more than a decade, communities across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states have suffered attacks by insurgent groups, leading to thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions of residents.
Although the Nigerian military has recorded several successes in recent years, including the killing of commanders and destruction of terrorist camps, insurgents continue to launch attacks on villages, highways and military formations.
In recent months, security analysts have raised concerns over renewed attacks by terrorists targeting military bases and isolated communities in parts of Borno State.
Tungushe and surrounding areas have remained sensitive locations because of their proximity to forest corridors often used by insurgents for movement and logistics.
Military authorities have repeatedly assured Nigerians that troops are intensifying both land and air operations aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement in the region.
The Federal Government has also continued to emphasise the importance of intelligence sharing, cooperation with local communities and regional military partnerships in tackling insurgency.
However, they noted that quick response by soldiers and follow-up operations usually help prevent terrorists from gaining control of such locations.
Residents in some communities around the North-East have continued to express concern over sporadic attacks despite years of military operations against insurgent groups.
Humanitarian organisations have also warned that insecurity in parts of Borno continues to affect farming, trade and the return of displaced persons to their communities.
Despite these challenges, military authorities insist that troops remain committed to restoring peace and stability in the region.
The latest operation in Tungushe is being viewed by security observers as another sign of the military’s efforts to maintain pressure on insurgent groups operating in the North-East.
As of Friday evening, there was no official statement from the Defence Headquarters regarding possible casualties among soldiers during the attack.
However, military sources maintained that the situation had been brought under control and that troops remained on alert to prevent further attacks in the area.
Residents have also been urged to continue supporting security agencies with useful information that could help ongoing counterterrorism operations across Borno State and other affected parts of the country.