Soldiers kill terrorists, recover weapons in Borno

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Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have killed terrorists and recovered weapons and other military equipment during operations in Borno State.

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The operations also resulted in the foiling of attacks on two Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) at Gajiram in Nganzai Local Government Area and Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area.

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According to the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Captain Mohammed Goni on X on Friday, troops on September 17 detected terrorists advancing towards FOB Gajiram with support from Multinational Joint Task Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets.

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He said the troops immediately adopted defensive measures, while the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided close air support.

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“Faced with the coordinated response, the terrorists withdrew from the vicinity of the location into adjoining areas,” Goni said.

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In a separate incident later that night, terrorists identified by the military as Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters attacked FOB Mairari.

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The attackers reportedly met stiff resistance from troops, backed by close air support from the Air Component.

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Goni said the attack was successfully contained, with casualties inflicted on the terrorists.

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“Subsequent exploitation led to the recovery of four terrorists’ corpses, some AK-47 rifles, magazines, quantities of ammunition, RPG bombs and a camcorder, among other items,” he said.

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Some troops sustained injuries during the engagement and were promptly stabilised before being airlifted to hospital, where they are receiving medical attention.

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Following the engagements, the Commander, Sector 3 Operation HADIN KAI, conducted a post-engagement assessment of the affected locations.

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The locations were subsequently reinforced, while troops continued to conduct operations in surrounding areas to prevent the terrorists from regrouping.

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Meanwhile, sustained military pressure across the Joint Operations Area has also led to the surrender of two Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists, including a Qaid, or commander.

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The two terrorists surrendered to troops of Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI along the Miyanti-Darel Jamel axis in Bama Local Government Area on September 16.

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According to the military, they surrendered with three AK-47 rifles, five magazines, a motorcycle and a cache of ammunition.

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The surrendered terrorists are currently in military custody and undergoing preliminary investigation and profiling.

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The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, commended the troops, MNJTF ISR team and aircrew for their vigilance, courage and coordination.

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Ajose reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to sustaining operational pressure against terrorist groups and protecting communities across the North-East.

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He also urged terrorists still in the bush to surrender through established channels, while calling on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces.

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