Security forces thwart several militant incursion attempts in Borno state

Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, successfully foiled multiple coordinated infiltration attempts by ISWAP terrorists in Borno State in the early hours of 10 July 2026, as disclosed by Captain Mohammed Goni, the acting media information officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, in a press statement on Friday.

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The attempts, which occurred between 0020 hours and 0230 hours, involved terrorists trying to infiltrate Muna Garage, Shuwari Village, and the Ajilari Cross axis to gain access into the Maiduguri Metropolis, but were swiftly detected and engaged by troops with accurate firepower, decisively frustrating all attempts to infiltrate.

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In a separate incident, troops also thwarted infiltration attempts by the terrorists at Miringa and Dutsen Kura in Buratai, with a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle triggering an Improvised Explosive Device during the pursuit of fleeing terrorists at Miringa, resulting in no casualties among troops.

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The situation remains stable, with the terrorists forced to abandon their mission and retreat in confusion across all locations, according to Captain Mohammed Goni.

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Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, recorded another significant operational success on Thursday, 9 July 2026, when they intercepted a suspected foreign terrorist drug courier conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs, alcoholic beverages, and other prohibited substances believed to be destined for terrorist elements operating within the Lake Chad Islands.

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The operation was conducted during an intensive search operation along the Maiduguri–Monguno axis, where troops intercepted a suspicious vehicle travelling towards Kwatan Doron Baga in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, and arrested the suspect, identified as Mrs Rachael Samuel, a 48-year-old Chadian national from Kelo in Chari-Baguirmi Province, Republic of Chad.

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Preliminary findings indicate that the recovered substances, including seven compressed bundles of suspected Cannabis sativa weighing approximately 30 kilograms, were being moved to locations within the Lake Chad Islands, an area known to harbour terrorist elements.

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Other items recovered from the suspect include two 10-litre containers of hydromercuric chloride, one carton containing 48 bottles of dry gin and 61 bottles of herbal alcoholic beverages, a mobile phone, two Automated Teller Machine cards, personal effects, and cash, all with a market street value approximately running into millions of Naira.

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The suspect is currently in military custody, while all recovered exhibits have been secured pending handover to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws, according to Captain Mohammed Goni.

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The successful interception highlights Operation HADIN KAI’s determination to deny terrorists access to logistics and supplies that sustain their criminal activities, with available intelligence showing that illicit drugs and intoxicants are frequently used by terrorist groups to stimulate fighters, suppress fear, and facilitate violent operations.

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By intercepting the consignment before it reached its destination, the troops have disrupted another critical aspect of the terrorists’ support network, Captain Mohammed Goni explained, adding that the Theatre Command commends the vigilance and professionalism of the troops.

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The Theatre Command assures the public that operations against terrorists and their collaborators will continue relentlessly, and encourages the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies in support of ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North East.