Nigerian Soldiers Kill 16 ISWAP Terrorists, Rescue 11 Kidnapped Victims In Borno Operation
✍️ By Teju/ February 11, 2026/ 10:21am
The Nigerian military has scored a significant victory against insurgent forces in the country’s troubled Northeast, killing 16 terrorists from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and rescuing 11 kidnapped victims, authorities announced on Tuesday.
Troops from the Joint Task Force (North East) under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) carried out the successful offensive in Borno State, a region long plagued by jihadist violence and insurgency. The operation targeted ISWAP strongholds and resulted in the elimination of the terrorists involved in holding civilians captive.
During the coordinated mission, Nigerian soldiers engaged the ISWAP fighters, neutralising 16 of the extremists believed to be directly responsible for ongoing attacks and abductions across the region. In addition to the fatalities among insurgents, the military successfully rescued 11 individuals who had been kidnapped, reuniting them with safety and beginning the process of providing them with medical attention and support.
The military’s ongoing counter‑terrorism efforts in Borno are part of a wider offensive to degrade extremist groups like ISWAP and Boko Haram that have terrorised communities for years. Nigerian defence authorities say the operations aim to protect civilians, reclaim territory and reduce the capacity of insurgents to carry out future attacks.
These developments come amid increased security coordination efforts in the region, including international cooperation and enhanced training for Nigerian forces. While the threat from insurgent groups remains dynamic, the recent gains reflect sustained pressure from ground forces and strategic operations designed to weaken extremist networks.
