Nigerian Army troops on patrol
Troops under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have achieved major breakthroughs in their counter-terrorism campaign, neutralising insurgents and taking control of key areas across Borno and Adamawa States between October 25 and 31.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, said the troops successfully repelled several terrorist attacks, dismantled their logistics networks, and disrupted planned assaults targeting civilian settlements.
According to Uba, the operations reflect the troops’ firm resolve to sustain the pressure on insurgent groups and deny them operational freedom.
> “On October 25, troops foiled an attempt by terrorists to attack Kukawa Town using a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED),” he said.
He explained that the explosive-laden vehicle was engaged with rocket-propelled grenades and later destroyed by a T-55 tank, preventing what could have been a devastating explosion.
A 10-year-old girl who sustained minor injuries in the incident was promptly treated at a nearby medical facility.
In another coordinated mission, troops working alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) uncovered and safely neutralised three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the Dikwa–Ajiri axis, averting potential attacks on major supply routes.
Continuing the offensive, Uba revealed that on October 29, troops from the 192 Battalion (Main), in collaboration with the CJTF, ambushed insurgents in the Gwoza–Limankara area, neutralising two terrorists and seizing bicycles and food items used to sustain their operations.
A day later, on October 30, soldiers from the 202 Battalion, backed by the Volunteer Force, launched a successful night ambush along the Bama–Konduga Main Supply Route, engaging fleeing insurgents attempting to move from Gezuwa towards Sambisa Forest.
> “The insurgents fled in disarray after coming under heavy fire,” Uba added.
Meanwhile, troops from the 232 Battalion (Tactical), under Operation Strangulation, intercepted smugglers transporting a drum of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and two motorcycles at Fillin Ball and Sebore in Mubi South Local Government Area of Adamawa.
The suspects escaped on sighting the soldiers, leaving behind the seized items now under investigation.
In a separate operation, the 144 Battalion and Sector 4 Special Forces, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended five suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP collaborators in Sabon Gari village, Madagali Local Government Area.
Those arrested were identified as Musa Mohammed (38), Gambo Musa (17), Mallam Mohammed (17), Abu Danjuma (27), and Umar Banna (26).
Recovered items included a desert camouflage uniform, a 7.62mm x 54mm round, and 50 wraps of Indian hemp found in an abandoned hut. Uba confirmed that preliminary investigations are ongoing.
He also highlighted that throughout the operations, the Air Component of OPHK provided close air support, including precision strikes and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, significantly improving ground coordination and battlefield efficiency.
Follow-up sweeps conducted in the early hours of October 31 led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, eight rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 90 linked rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm ammunition, four bicycles, and the body of a neutralised terrorist—with no casualties recorded among the troops.
Lt.-Col. Uba noted that the Military High Command has commended the soldiers for their courage, discipline, and unwavering commitment to peace in the North East.
He reaffirmed the military’s determination to eradicate terrorism, stressing that the ongoing operations would continue to dismantle insurgent cells, cut off supply lines, and protect vulnerable communities.
> “The troops remain resolute in restoring lasting peace and stability across the North East,” he assured.
(NAN)
