Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have recovered the bodies of five additional Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists during ongoing exploitation operations in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The recovery was made on Thursday, September 3, 2026, during a search operation along the Kukawa–Jemmu–Alagarno axis, following the terrorists’ failed attack on troops in the area on August 29.
According to the military, the bodies were found in a decomposed state and are believed to have been among the terrorists who sustained fatal injuries during air operations conducted by the Nigerian Air Force in support of ground troops.
The latest discovery is said to provide further indication of the casualties suffered by the terrorists as they withdrew from the area under sustained pressure from ground troops and air support.
Troops also recovered an AK-47 rifle, solar panel, camouflage bag, prayer mat, empty ammunition link and raincoat, among other items found during the operation.
The recovered bodies were buried in situ, while troops continued with the exploitation of the area before safely returning to base.
The latest recovery brings to nine the number of additional terrorist bodies discovered during exploitation operations following the failed attack in Kukawa.
Operation HADIN KAI has assured residents that troops will maintain pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP elements, while working to prevent them from regrouping and threatening communities across the North East.
The Joint Task Force commended the troops for their resilience and determination, assuring the public that ongoing operations would be sustained to consolidate recent security gains and create a safer environment for communities and economic activities.