Troops stand firm, repel ISWAP attack on Pulka in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation HADIN KAI, supported by the Nigerian Air Force and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have successfully repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a military position in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack occurred on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, as the troops continued ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the area.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the terrorists launched an aggressive assault on the military location, apparently attempting to overwhelm the troops and disrupt ongoing security operations around the community.
However, the soldiers stood their ground and responded with sustained firepower, frustrating the attackers and preventing them from gaining access to or overrunning the military position.
The determined resistance reportedly forced the terrorists to withdraw from the area with casualties, while the military positions in Pulka remained firmly under the control of the security forces.
The engagement was reinforced by the timely intervention of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, which provided Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) support to the ground troops.
The aerial surveillance enhanced the troops’ situational awareness and enabled closer coordination between the ground and air components during the engagement.
As the terrorists attempted to withdraw following the resistance from the ground troops, the air component reportedly conducted precision strikes against identified hostile elements, disrupting their movement and frustrating their attempt to regroup.
The CJTF also supported the operation by providing local information and assisting the security forces with situational awareness within the area.
Zagazola Makama gathered that one soldier sustained a gunshot injury to his left arm during the encounter.
The injured soldier was immediately evacuated for medical attention, stabilised and is currently responding to treatment. His condition was said to be stable.
Following the withdrawal of the terrorists, troops commenced exploitation operations within the area to assess the damage inflicted on the attackers, recover any abandoned weapons or equipment and gather intelligence that could support follow-up operations against the fleeing elements.
The successful defence of the position highlights the resilience, combat readiness and determination of troops deployed under Operation HADIN KAI to prevent terrorist groups from regaining ground or disrupting security operations in the North-East.
The coordinated response involving the ground troops, Nigerian Air Force and CJTF also underscores the importance of joint operations and timely intelligence in countering terrorist attacks in the theatre.
Military sources said troops remained deployed in and around Pulka and had been placed on heightened alert following the attack.
They are continuing aggressive patrols, surveillance and other offensive and defensive operations aimed at denying the terrorists freedom of movement and preventing them from establishing operational footholds in the area.
The troops are also expected to sustain pressure on the fleeing terrorist elements and exploit available intelligence to track their movements and disrupt their activities.
Meanwhile, residents and other members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, movements and activities to the nearest security formation.
The military reiterated its commitment to protecting communities, safeguarding the lives and property of law-abiding citizens and sustaining ongoing operations to defeat terrorism and restore lasting peace and stability across the North-East.
