Troops foil Boko Haram ambush in Borno, recover arms

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By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

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MAIDUGURI — Troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade, under the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have foiled an ambush by suspected Boko Haram terrorists along the Buni Gari-Buratai road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

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The terrorists reportedly ambushed the troops at about 10:45 a.m. on Monday, September 7, 2026, while they were conducting operations along the route.

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The Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

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According to him, one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected, MRAP, vehicle belonging to the troops ran over an improvised explosive device, IED, during the encounter, damaging two of its tyres.

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He said the troops subsequently exploited the ambush site and recovered an AK-47 magazine, 30 rounds of 7.62x39mm special ammunition, two RPG bombs, one motorcycle and two bicycles.

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Goni said no casualty was recorded, adding that the troops had continued operations to dominate the area and deny terrorists freedom of movement.

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Four terrorist family members surrender

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In a related development, four family members of suspected terrorists, including an eight-month-old infant, have surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion along the Gwoza-Limankara road in Borno State.

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The group reportedly surrendered at about 1:35 p.m. on Sunday, September 6.

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According to military sources, preliminary investigations showed that the four individuals escaped from the Hiduwa terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains, Gwoza Local Government Area.

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The sources said the surrendered persons told troops that a lack of basic necessities in the enclave forced them to flee and seek safety.

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The individuals and the infant are currently in the custody of the troops undergoing screening and further investigation.

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Troops detonate IED on Damboa-Maiduguri road

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Meanwhile, troops of the 19 Battalion, deployed under 25 Brigade, have safely detonated an IED planted by suspected terrorists along the Damboa-Bulabulin-Maiduguri road in Damboa Local Government Area.

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The explosive device was discovered at about 12:07 p.m. on Monday during a road-dominance patrol and escort operation for civilian vehicles.

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The troops reportedly found the IED around Asorok, shortly before Bulabulin, where it had been buried by suspected terrorists.

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The area was immediately secured before the explosive was safely detonated, averting possible casualties and damage to civilian and military vehicles using the route.

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Following the clearance of the threat, the troops continued their movement towards the checkpoint at Kumala.

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Troops arrest suspected Cameroonian

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Also, troops of 25 Brigade, working with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, have arrested a suspected foreign national along the Azir-Damboa road in Borno State.

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Military sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 5:55 p.m. on Saturday, September 5, following information from local residents about the movement of a suspected foreigner along the route.

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During preliminary questioning, the suspect reportedly identified himself as a Cameroonian national.

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He allegedly told the troops that he entered Nigeria through Taraba State and was travelling towards Niger State in search of artisanal work but lost his way.

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The suspect remains in military custody as authorities investigate his identity, travel history and circumstances surrounding his presence in the area.

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