OPHK Troops inflict heavy casualties on Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Borno

A violent attack occurred in the Kautikari community within Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State on Saturday evening. Suspected insurgents affiliated with either Boko Haram or ISWAP targeted the area, resulting in the death of one individual and the destruction of a school building. The attack took place approximately 20 kilometers away from Chibok town, which serves as the administrative center of the local government area.

According to the police, the attack was confirmed by the state command spokesperson, Nahum Daso, who relayed information from the divisional police officer in Chibok. The assailants reportedly entered the community using motorcycles and carried out the attack during the evening. Security forces managed to repel the attackers following the incident. The victim was identified as a 50-year-old resident, and the school that was damaged was a junior secondary school block comprising five classrooms and an office. This attack adds to a series of incidents involving violence against educational institutions in the region.

The attack on Kautikari Junior Secondary School highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety of schools in Borno State. Earlier in the year, on 15 May, another incident saw suspected Boko Haram members abduct an unspecified number of pupils and students from Mussa-Biri Primary School and Junior Day Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area. This led to protests organized by the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Borno State, demanding increased security measures to ensure the safety of educators and students. During these demonstrations in Maiduguri, NUT's National Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Ibn-Tom, called upon both federal and state authorities to take more decisive actions to protect educational facilities and secure the release of the kidnapped individuals.

Governor Babagana Zulum's Chief of Staff, Mustapha Malumbe, responded to the protests by affirming the state government's commitment to enhancing security in schools and surrounding areas. Despite these assurances, attacks on educational infrastructure remain a frequent occurrence in the north-eastern part of Nigeria, even amidst continuous military operations aimed at curbing insurgent activities.

Separately, on 19 June 2026, the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, known as OPHK, achieved a notable victory against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. The operation took place at Dutsen Kura and Chara Road, which are strategically important due to their connection to roads frequently used for kidnappings. Security sources confirmed that OPHK troops effectively countered the attack with a combination of air and ground forces, leading to substantial casualties among the attackers without any loss on the side of the security forces. The successful operation highlighted the effectiveness of the joint task force and underscored the importance of continued vigilance and intelligence sharing from the public.

Anthony Sani, a former Secretary-General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has pointed out that the availability of advanced weaponry and sufficient funding remains a significant obstacle in combating terrorism in Nigeria. He noted that the issue of how insurgents manage to acquire arms and financial resources is a concern shared globally, especially given past experiences with groups like ISIS. Sani mentioned that General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, had expressed worries about the capability of groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP to procure arms and foreign currency, including U.S. dollars. These observations suggest that Nigeria faces a multifaceted challenge involving both internal and external factors contributing to the persistence of terrorist threats.

To address these issues, Sani advocated for enhanced border controls to prevent the flow of illegal arms and the tightening of financial regulations to curb potential avenues for money laundering and terrorism financing. He emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts between government bodies, security agencies, and civilians to effectively combat terrorism. His statements reflect the complexity of the situation and the need for comprehensive strategies involving intelligence collection, security operations, and public engagement to achieve sustainable peace in the region.