Troops of ‘Operation HADIN KAI’ have neutralized nine Boko Haram terrorists and recovered over N5 million during two coordinated operations in Magumeri and Gajiram general areas of Borno State.
According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force North East (OPHK), the operations were carried out on October 10 following credible intelligence on terrorist movement in the region.
In the first operation near Goni Dunari, Magumeri Local Government Area, troops intercepted a group of Boko Haram fighters reportedly moving in two vehicles with 24 foot soldiers.
The insurgents were said to be setting homes ablaze and terrorizing residents before troops launched an aggressive fighting patrol.
After a four-hour pursuit spanning 92 kilometres, troops made contact with the terrorists near Damjiyakiri village.
A fierce firefight ensued, resulting in the neutralization of five insurgents, while the remaining fled in disarray, some leaving blood trails behind.
Weapons and items recovered from the encounter , as announced by the troops include one AK-47 rifle (Reg. No. 06798), five magazines (two loaded, three empty), 31 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one Itel mobile phone, one dagger.
No casualties or equipment losses were reported on the part of the Nigerian troops.
In a separate operation along the Gajiram–Bolori–Mile 40–Gajiganna axis, OPHK troops on motorcycles engaged another group of Boko Haram fighters near Zundur village. Four terrorists were neutralized during the firefight.
Troops, according to the statement, successfully rescued two hostages—Mr. Modu Kinnami (55) and Mr. Bukar (57), both from Guzamala—who were being held for ransom.
The soldiers recovered N750,000 in a sack, reportedly part of a N2 million ransom demand made by the terrorists, which also included a request for two new Tecno button phones.
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Items also claimed to have been recovered in the second operation includeone blue pickup vehicle (Reg. No. GUB 327 XA), two new Tecno button phones, one 30-litre jerrycan of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and N4,355,000 in cash.
This brings the total amount of money recovered during the combined operations to over N5.1 million.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba confirmed that follow-up operations are ongoing to maintain pressure on terrorist elements and prevent their regrouping.
“These operations demonstrate our resolve to deny terrorists freedom of movement and ensure the safety of residents across the region,” the statement read.
The army urged the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely information to security agencies to aid ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
