Twelve terrorists were killed in the early hours of Friday, May 22, 2026, after troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai foiled a cross-border infiltration attempt in the Kirawa Axis of Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State.

The attempted assault occurred around 11:00 p.m. when suspected ISWAP/Boko Haram fighters tried to breach defensive positions manned by the 153 Task Force Battalion and allied forces along the Nigeria–Cameroon border. According to Theatre Command Media Information Officer Lt Col Sani Uba, troops detected the movement early and engaged the attackers with superior firepower, supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force. The confrontation was backed by intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets, air component support, and partner forces.

Twelve of the assailants were confirmed killed in the exchange, with several others fleeing the scene wounded, as shown by blood stains along their escape paths. Items recovered after the operation included AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade systems, ammunition, and a PKT machine gun. The military reported no loss of equipment, though one soldier sustained injuries during the clash.

Following the incident, troops retained control of their locations and have begun follow-up operations in the surrounding area to stop the attackers from regrouping. The security situation in the axis is currently calm but remains uncertain.

Operation Hadin Kai restated its resolve to restrict terrorist activities and maintain stability across the North-East.