UK, Germany Renew Backing for Nigeria’s Counter-Terror War

The governments of the United Kingdom and Germany have reiterated their readiness to continue supporting Nigeria’s campaign against terrorism and insurgency.

The renewed pledge was conveyed during a visit by the two countries’ Defence Attachés to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

In a statement released on Thursday, the media information officer of the operation, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, disclosed that the UK Defence Attaché, Brig. Gen. Tom Harper, and his German counterpart, Col. Boris Bovecamp, used the occasion to reaffirm their nations’ commitment to strengthening cooperation with Nigeria in tackling security threats.

According to the statement, the visit marked a significant engagement between the foreign defence representatives and the theatre command of Operation Hadin Kai. The envoys expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in the Northeast region.

Uba noted that Brig. – Gen. Harper spoke of the long-standing ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, describing the relationship as one built on mutual respect and shared values.

He added that the British envoy underscored the importance both nations attach to upholding democratic principles, respect for human rights, and adherence to the rule of law, even as they confront the challenges posed by terrorism.

The visit, military sources say, further reflects growing international collaboration aimed at supporting Nigeria’s determination to defeat insurgency and secure lasting peace in affected communities.

Boko Haram Raiders Hit Auno, Kukareta in Twin Night Attacks

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents on Friday night launched coordinated attacks on Auno in Borno State and Kukareta in Yobe State, targeting military positions and vulnerable spots along the busy Maiduguri–Damaturu highway.

Security sources confirmed in Maiduguri on Saturday that dozens of armed fighters reportedly emerged from the southern fringes of the Sambisa Forest, striking the two communities and military checkpoints positioned along the strategic corridor linking the neighbouring states.

Despite the intensity of the assaults, the sources said the attacks were successfully repelled by troops on the ground, forcing the insurgents to retreat towards the Sasawa forest axis in Yobe State.

“There were no casualties recorded among the troops or civilians in the twin incidents,” a military source disclosed, attributing the outcome to the swift response of security personnel stationed in the affected areas.

Further findings indicate that the attacks may be linked to sustained military pressure within the Sambisa Forest, where intensified ground and aerial counter-terrorism operations are said to be disrupting insurgent hideouts and supply routes.

According to security officials, the ongoing operations have compelled surviving fighters to flee the forest enclave and attempt hit-and-run attacks on soft targets, particularly along the 132-kilometre Maiduguri–Damaturu road.

Interestingly, residents of nearby communities, such as Benisheikh, Mainok, and Jakana, were reportedly unaware of the attacks until alerts were received from military formations in the affected locations.

“It was an emergency report from our military post that drew attention to the Friday night attacks on Auno and Kukareta,” one of the sources said.

Security agencies have since maintained heightened surveillance along the highway, ensuring residents and travellers continued protection as operations against insurgent elements intensify across the region.

Troops Smash ISWAP Detention Network, Free Captives in Sambisa Forest

By Njadvara Musa, Damaturu 

Troops of the Northeast Joint Task Force under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have recorded another major breakthrough after destroying three detention facilities operated by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) deep inside the Sambisa Forest in Yobe State.

The facilities, located within the notorious Timbuktu Triangle of the forest in Gujba Local Government Area, were dismantled during a coordinated ground offensive that pushed troops further into areas long regarded as terrorist strongholds.

Confirming the operation, the OPHK Media Information Officer, Lt-Col. Sani Uba, disclosed in a statement issued in Maiduguri on Wednesday that the development marked a significant advance in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign.

The destruction of these detention facilities represents a major ground operation into territories previously considered beyond the reach of our troops and other security agencies,” Uba said.

According to him, the successful identification and neutralisation of the facilities highlight the growing effectiveness and sustainability of military operations across the Sambisa Forest and the wider Lake Chad region.

Uba explained that the operation was conducted under Operation DESERT SANITY V, following sustained pressure, intelligence-led manoeuvres, and aggressive patrols that forced terrorists to abandon critical infrastructure within their enclaves.

“The exposure and destruction of these facilities clearly demonstrate that our troops have penetrated deep into ISWAP’s inner sanctuaries, denying them space to operate and weakening their operational capability,” he added.

Preliminary assessments revealed that the destroyed facilities had the capacity to hold up to 300 detainees, underscoring their strategic importance to ISWAP’s operational and coercive structure.

More significantly, the offensive reportedly led to the escape of over 70 captives who had been held by the terrorists. Many of the escapees later resurfaced in surrounding communities, including Goniri, Buratai and Mandaragirau.

One of the escapees, Malam Jidda Ba Jidda, a native of Kufi village in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, recounted his ordeal, saying he was abducted on 22 December 2025.

“I escaped from the ISWAP detention centre during a gun battle between the terrorists and advancing troops in the Timbuktu Triangle,” he said.

The military says operations in the Sambisa Forest are ongoing, with troops maintaining pressure on terrorist elements to dismantle remaining hideouts and restore safety to affected communities.