Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have neutralised 24 Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents during a series of coordinated ambushes and clearance operations conducted over five days across Borno and parts of Adamawa.
The operations, which took place between 4 and 9 July, were confirmed on Wednesday in Maiduguri by Capt. Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command OPHK.
Kovangiya said the joint operations, carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force component, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local hunters, were part of ongoing efforts to sustain pressure on terrorist strongholds and restore peace in the region.
According to him, the first ambush was executed on 4 July at Platari, where troops engaged insurgents on bicycles moving from Sambisa Forest towards the Timbuktu Triangle, killing three. Another terrorist was ambushed around the Komala general area, with troops recovering motorcycles, spare parts, pesticides, and food supplies.
“The same day, the troops executed a night ambush at Kawuri in Konduga Local Government Area, where two terrorists conveying logistics were gunned down, and others escaped with injuries. Recovered items included salt, detergents, and food condiments,” he said.
Kovangiya added that on 5 July, troops intercepted insurgents attempting to access the Madarari Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Konduga, killing one and recovering several rounds of ammunition.
He said further contact was made with terrorists at Leno Kura during a fighting patrol, resulting in the neutralisation of three insurgents in a crossfire.
On 6 July, troops reportedly carried out a night ambush at suspected crossing points between Ngoshe–Gava, Ngoshe–Ashigashiya, and Amuda–Gava, killing one terrorist while others fled.
On 7 July, insurgent logistics suppliers were ambushed near Sabsawa village, leading to the neutralisation of two terrorists and the recovery of bicycles, torches, slippers, batteries, and other items.
Clearance operations at Bula Marwa, a known ISWAP and JAS stronghold, were carried out on 8 July with air support and CJTF collaboration. One insurgent was killed, and life-support structures were destroyed. In a separate operation on the same day, joint troops raided hideouts in Pambula village, Madagali LGA of Adamawa, killing one insurgent and recovering four motorcycles and a dane gun.
Kovangiya said troops continued clearing operations at Bula Marwa, where another terrorist was killed and their camp dismantled.
“On July 9, in joint operations with the Civilian Joint Task Force, troops cleared JAS and ISWAP enclaves at Tangalanga and Bula Marwa. Three insurgents were killed and six AK-47 rifles, 47 magazines, and 90 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered,” he said.
He further noted that additional ambushes were conducted in Ngailda, Manjim, and Wulle villages in collaboration with hybrid forces, resulting in the killing of six more terrorists.
“The neutralisation of 24 terrorists underscores the determination and concerted efforts of OPHK to place insurgents on the back foot and create a secure environment for socio-economic recovery in the North East,” Kovangiya added.
NAN/PIAK