Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have eliminated 13 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters in Kareto, Borno State, after foiling a failed ambush and improvised explosive device (IED) attack against a military convoy escorting humanitarian supplies.
The clash occurred on Wednesday, as troops provided security for relief trucks moving along the Gubio–Damasak road, underscoring the Armed Forces’ dual role of fighting insurgents and safeguarding humanitarian operations.
According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, “the terrorists detonated two command IEDs before opening heavy fire on the convoy.
The soldiers swiftly reorganised and responded with superior firepower, killing 13 insurgents on the spot while others fled in disarray.”
The troops pursued the retreating fighters and recovered significant arms, including eight AK-47 rifles, 10 rifle magazines, and a large cache of 7.62mm ammunition. Other items seized were camel bags, several rolls of detonating cord, and primed IEDs ready for deployment.
In the encounter, one soldier sustained minor injuries and was reported stable, while four MRAP tyres were damaged and two escort trucks caught fire.
Despite the disruption, the humanitarian convoy and relief materials were secured and successfully delivered to Damasak.