Troops Repel ISWAP Attack, Kill Scores in Counter-Offensive in Borno

June 19, 2026
Abia Killings: Go After Criminals Not Innocent Civilians, Nigerians Tell Military Nigerians have called on the military authorities to go after real criminals responsible for killing of five soldiers in Abia State on Thursday last week not harassing and arresting innocent civilians. The Nigerian Army had after the ugly incident that occured at Obikabia Junction in Aba the commercial hub of the state released a statement vowing to retaliate over killing saying “accordingly, it is absolutely imperative that the military retaliate against this dastardly act against troops. The military would be firece in it's response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat.” Subsequently, videos trending online showed military officers deployed to Abia raiding the area in apparent search for criminals who killed their colleagues. Some clips showed soldiers gather some people in the area.and interrogate them. There were also reports that soldiers have been harassing many residents of the area since Friday. Some Nigerians criticised the act saying that military officers are not suppose to be in city centres because the country is not at war. “Soldiers are supposed to on the front line. Why the city? Are we at war?” Another X user, Alani 10Lions one Elephant cried out. According to a Premium Times report, spokesperson of the 14 Brigade of the Nigeria army in Ohafia, Abia State, Innocent Omale, confirmed the arrest of some residents but said they were later released. Aba residents complain over the actions of the military in retaliation to the death of their men. Mr Christian Ekocha, who is a resident of the area claimed that there have been choppers and helicopters flying around the area numerous times a day. “There was even a rumour that soliders opened fire on civilians in Ngwa road. Although, I have not confirmed the authenticity of the information. But youths are being harassed and interrogated by these military personnels,” he added. Nigerians on their X handles urged the military not to harm innocent civilians in a quest for retaliation. “Dropping military men is unacceptable. Go hard on the criminals and not the armless citizens,” Adewale ‘Damilare urged the military. Netizens also called on the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, to intervene so that the military would not take catastrophic actions against citizens. “Howbeit, this is urging Alex Otti to swoop into action to meet with the Nigerian army chief, Lt. Gen Taoreed Lagbaja to call his boys to order. As in their usual characteristics, they are now setting the cart before the horse in Aba, Abia state, just like they did in Okuama community, in Ugheli south LGA of Delta State in March 2024,” Mr Ike God said on his X handle. Recall that in March, 17 military personnels were killed in Delta state, during a peace mission. The community was razed down by some unknown men some days later and the residents alleged it to be the military men in retaliation. Nigerians fear that Aba might experience similar fate.

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have repelled coordinated attacks by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Borno State, killing several insurgents and destroying equipment during a counter-offensive operation, Prime Business Africa reports.

According to the military, the attacks occurred in the early hours of Friday along Dusten Kura and Chara Road in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area of the state.

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Troops Rescue 360 Boko Haram Captives in Major Borno Operation

In a statement issued on Friday, June 19, Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the troops detected the terrorists’ movement early and responded with a coordinated air and ground operation that disrupted the assault.

He said the operation was supported by intelligence assets as well as the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, which deployed Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and precision-strike platforms to engage the attackers.

“The alert troops, supported by robust intelligence, promptly detected the incursion and responded with superior firepower in a well-coordinated air and ground counter-attack,” the statement said.

According to the military, the air support integrated with ground operations to inflict heavy casualties on the insurgents, forcing the attackers to retreat.

The military further stated that no casualties were recorded among its personnel during the engagement, while the terrorists suffered significant losses in manpower and equipment.

READ MORE :

How Court Jailed Borno Ex-Senatorial Candidate for 10 Years for Supplying Fuel to Boko Haram

Operation HADIN KAI described the outcome as another indication of the operational readiness of troops and the growing synergy between ground and air forces in ongoing counter-insurgency operations across the North-East.

The Theatre Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups and preventing them from regrouping or carrying out attacks on civilian populations.

The military also called on residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing security efforts in the region.

The North-East has remained a major theatre of counter-terrorism operations as Nigerian troops continue campaigns against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents operating in parts of Borno and neighbouring states.

 

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Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

Amanze Chinonye

Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

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