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Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have eliminated 12 ISWAP and Boko Haram fighters during a failed attack on a military position in the Kirawa axis of Sector 1 OPHK Area of Responsibility in the early hours of May 22, 2026.

The operation was carried out under Operation Desert Sanity and Siege Operations after suspected terrorists attempted to infiltrate positions occupied by troops of the 153 Task Force Battalion and other allied forces along the Nigeria-Cameroon border axis.

According to the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the attack was promptly detected and effectively repelled by troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who responded with superior firepower and maintained control of their positions throughout the encounter.

The terrorists were subsequently forced to abandon the mission and retreat towards the Cameroon axis after suffering heavy casualties during the gun battle.

“Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance assets, as well as platforms of the Air Component of OPHK and partner forces, provided coordinated support during the operation.

“Following the engagement, troops confirmed the neutralisation of 12 terrorists, while several others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds, as evidenced by blood trails along their withdrawal routes.

“Recovered items included AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade systems, ammunition, and a PKT machine gun, further weakening the operational capability of the insurgents in the area,” the statement said.

Troops of OPHK, working alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force, have continued exploitation operations to track fleeing terrorists and recover additional weapons and equipment, while maintaining heightened vigilance across the area.

The Joint Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups until they are completely neutralised across the theatre of operations.

The military high command also commended the troops for their gallantry, professionalism, and swift response, which it described as the third successful operation recorded within the week, urging them to sustain the operational momentum in the interest of national security.

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Presidential aspirant in the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has intensified efforts to protect Nigerians in South Africa following new reports of xenophobic attacks and rising depression among victims.

Obi made his involvement public in a Facebook post on Saturday, detailing a series of high-level meetings with South African government officials and political party leaders.

“After speaking with Nigerians in Cape Town yesterday, I was able to have meaningful discussions this morning with three South African ministers and political party leaders regarding the ongoing challenges related to immigration, regional collaboration, and fostering peaceful coexistence,” Obi wrote.

He revealed that he met with Mr. Leon Schreiber, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs and a prominent figure in the Democratic Alliance; Mr. Velenkosini Hlabisa, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP); and Mr. Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture and leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA).

Obi described the conversations as “productive and candid,” with a focus on migration, economic strains, youth unemployment, security issues, and rising tensions faced by African foreigners in South Africa.

He emphasised that Nigeria and South Africa—as two of the continent’s most prominent nations—must enhance dialogue and seek solutions based on justice, mutual respect, and the rule of law.

“In challenging times, leaders and citizens alike need to demonstrate responsible leadership, compassion, and restraint,” he said.

The discussions also stressed the importance of law-abiding behavior, avoiding violence, resisting hate or provocation, and allowing lawful institutions to address grievances through democratic processes.

“The progress of Africa hinges on our ability to create unity, foster economic inclusivity, invest in our communities, and uphold the dignity of every African, no matter where they live,” Obi added.

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National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, has declared that the massive turnout recorded during the party’s nationwide 2026 primaries is a clear indication of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s growing popularity and the APC’s strong prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Yilwatda made the remarks on Saturday after participating in the APC Presidential Primary election at Dungung Ward in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The APC chairman arrived at the venue alongside former Plateau State governor and senator representing Plateau South, Simon Lalong, where they were received by Kanke Local Government Chairman, Hon. Lapchin Golime, amid a large crowd of party supporters.

Speaking shortly after casting his vote, Yilwatda described the turnout witnessed across polling centres as “organic,” insisting that Nigerians were increasingly embracing the APC and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

“You can see the massive turnout everywhere we visited. The support for President Tinubu and the APC is organic,” he stated.

According to him, the increasing number of politicians seeking elective positions on the APC platform reflects the growing acceptance of the ruling party across the country, especially at the grassroots.

Yilwatda maintained that despite complaints arising from the primaries, the party remained committed to internal reconciliation and democratic processes through established appeal mechanisms.

He also dismissed claims that APC’s victories were solely driven by incumbency, citing losses recorded by the party in some elections as proof that its success was rooted in popular support.

Also speaking, Lalong praised President Tinubu and the APC leadership for sustaining internal democracy, describing Yilwatda as one of the most impactful national chairmen the party has produced in recent years.

The APC national chairman later monitored party primaries in Kanke, Pankshin, and Mangu local government areas of Plateau State.Follow Krestnews.com for more reports.