Troops under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), with support from the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and other security outfits, have killed 12 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in a major offensive across parts of Borno State.
The military-led operation, which took place from August 29 to 30, targeted terrorist hideouts in Tamsu Ngamdu, Dalakaleri, Gaza, and Loskori Kura. According to military sources, the raids were carefully planned and involved both ground forces and local intelligence from the CJTF.
The most intense battle occurred in Loskori Kura, where troops engaged a group of insurgents in a fierce gunfight. By the end of the clash, 12 terrorists were confirmed dead. Several others, believed to be injured, were seen being treated by their comrades in makeshift shelters.
Troops recovered six AK-47 rifles, eight loaded magazines, and a large cache of assorted drugs used by the insurgents. Military officials noted that the drugs are commonly used by fighters to treat battlefield injuries and to stay awake during long attacks.
Security sources revealed that the operations had significant impact on the terrorists’ movement and supply chain, making it harder for them to regroup or launch new attacks in the affected areas. “The offensive has disrupted their logistics and mobility within the region,” a senior military source said.
This latest action is part of a broader military campaign in Nigeria’s North-East, aimed at rooting out Boko Haram and ISWAP elements who have operated from strongholds in the Sambisa Forest, the Lake Chad Basin, and the Mandara Mountains.
Over the past few months, the Nigerian Armed Forces have increased their use of both ground troops and aerial bombardment to target camps and escape routes used by the insurgents. These efforts come after years of persistent attacks on civilians, security personnel, and aid workers in Borno and other North-East states.
Boko Haram, which started its insurgency in 2009, has been responsible for tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of over two million people. In 2016, the group split, giving rise to ISWAP, which now operates independently and has focused attacks on military and strategic targets.
While the military has recorded several successes in recent years, including the killing and surrender of key commanders, pockets of resistance remain. Some remote communities still face threats from sleeper cells, especially in areas bordering Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.
The Nigerian government, along with international partners, continues to provide support to military operations and humanitarian efforts in the region. However, displaced persons and residents have called for more protection, food assistance, and rebuilding of their destroyed communities.
The Defence Headquarters has yet to issue an official statement on the latest operation, but security watchers believe the recent success could help further weaken insurgent activities in the state.
Residents of nearby towns have reportedly expressed relief at the military’s swift action, though many remain cautious, noting that insurgents often regroup and launch reprisal attacks.
With the rainy season affecting rural mobility, the military says it is working with local vigilantes and traditional rulers to gather intelligence and prevent terrorists from hiding in hard-to-reach areas.
