By Danlami Nmodu
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that an outstanding officer was among those killed as troops engaged terrorists once again in the North East of Nigeria.
In a statement which reflected the courageous efforts of troops, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information OfficerHeadquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI said, “Regrettably, the engagements claimed the lives of some brave and gallant soldiers, including an outstanding officer in Kukawa, who paid the ultimate price in defence of our nation and the protection of innocent citizens. Their sacrifices will continue to inspire their comrades in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
NEWSDIARYONLINE reports that the army has not released the names of the officer and soldiers killed as at press time. However it was learnt that there are growing concerns over the relentless ability of terrorists to attack troops.
The army notably affirmed the “intensity of the assaults and the heavy firepower employed by the terrorists” in its official statement.
Sources said the need for defence authorities to scale up troops’ fire power, going forward.
Despite this anxiety, Uba said , “Troops remain vigilant, motivated and committed to sustaining relentless operations to deny the terrorists freedom of action and ensure lasting security, peace and economic stability across the North East region.
In a statement titled: TROOPS OF OPERATION HADIN KAI FOIL MULTIPLE COORDINATED TERRORIST ATTACKS, MAINTAIN FULL CONTROL OF LOCATIONS, the army said, troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) successfully defeated multiple coordinated attacks launched by ISWAP terrorists on military locations in Delwa, Goniri, Kukawa, Mainok and troops harbour position deep in the Sambisa Forest. The attacks, which occurred during the night of Sunday 8 and Monday 9 of March 2026, were mounted simultaneously from several directions in an apparent attempt by the terrorists to overwhelm troop positions
Uba added that “undeterred by the intensity of the assaults and the heavy firepower employed by the terrorists, the gallant troops were firmed and responded with exceptional determination. Fighting across multiple fronts, the troops effectively coordinated their defensive actions while reinforcements and the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided timely and decisive support during the engagements. The terrorists were consequently met with overwhelming resistance and were forced into withdrawal after suffering significant casualties from several terrorist bodies left behind.”
Even more, the spokesman said “Impressively, troops also recovered weapons and equipment abandoned during their retreat, including two PKT machine guns, six AK-47 rifles, eight RPG bombs, four mortar bombs, and assorted ammunition of various calibres. In the course of the engagements, sections of the defensive perimeters at Goniri and Kukawa were momentarily breached, while a number of structures within the bases and vehicles sustained damage due to the intensity of the firefights. All locations however remain firmly under the control of Operation HADIN KAI troops. Ground forces, supported by the Air Component, are currently conducting follow-up exploitation operations in the affected areas. In addition, cordon and search operations are ongoing in neighbouring communities where some of the wounded terrorists were discovered to be seeking refuge.”