In a continuation of its aggressive counter-terrorism campaign in the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully overpowered nine terrorists during a fighting patrol in the Magumeri and Gajiram areas of Borno State on Friday.
According to a statement released on Saturday by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, a total of N5 million ransom money was recovered during the operation.
“The terrorists, reportedly moving on 2 vehicles and 24-foot fighters, were observed setting houses ablaze and terrorizing locals. Acting swiftly, their own troops launched an aggressive fighting patrol to intercept the threat.
“As troops advanced towards the objective, the terrorists attempted to flee towards Damjiyakiri village. Vehicle-borne fighters dispersed to an unknown location, while foot fighters were pursued over a distance of approximately 92 km.
“After about 4 hours of tactical pursuit, troops established contact with the fleeing terrorists. A frontal attack was immediately launched, and troops engaged the terrorists with a heavy barrage of fire, resulting in the neutralization of 5 terrorists, while the remaining 19 dispersed in disarray. Some were wounded as blood trails were observed at the contact scene,” the statement read in part.
The operation led to the recovery of several items, including one AK-47 rifle (Reg. No. 06798), five magazines (three empty and two loaded), 31 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one Itel mobile phone, and one dagger.
The statement also confirmed that no casualties or equipment losses were recorded by the OPHK troops during the mission, highlighting the effectiveness and discipline of the soldiers involved.
In a related operation, troops conducting surveillance along the Gajiram–Bolori–Mile 40–Gajiganna axis encountered Boko Haram fighters near Zundur village. Mounted on motorcycles, the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight, killing four insurgents, while others fled into the nearby bush.
During the engagement, the troops rescued Modu Kinnami (55 years old) and Bukar (57 years old), both from Guzamala, and recovered a sack containing N750,000.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that Boko Haram fighters had demanded a ransom of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000) and 2 new Tecno button phones for the release of the captive’s brother,” the statement added.
Recovered items included one blue pickup vehicle (Reg. No. GUB 327 XA), two new Tecno button phones, one jerrycan containing 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and N4,335,000 in cash.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba noted that further operations are ongoing across multiple fronts to maintain pressure on the insurgents and restrict their ability to regroup or move freely.
What you should know
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralized nine terrorists and recovered over N9 million combined during coordinated raids in Borno State.
The operation disrupted terrorist movements, rescued captives, and recovered weapons, cash, and vehicles. Authorities say continued offensives are ensuring reduced insurgent activities across the North East.
