Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have killed at least five terrorists in a gun battle along the Sojiri axis of Konduga Local Government Area, Borno State. The encounter, which took place on Sunday morning, also led to the rescue of three civilians who had been abducted by the terrorists.
The Media Information Officer of the Headquarters Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday. According to him, the successful operation was carried out with precision and professionalism, and no soldiers were injured during the confrontation.
“During the encounter, five terrorists were neutralised without any casualty to own troops, underscoring the professionalism, precision, and combat effectiveness of the security forces,” the statement read. “Items recovered during the operation included AK-47 rifles and other sundry materials.”
Lieutenant Colonel Uba also revealed that three civilians, who were reportedly kidnapped earlier by the terrorists, were successfully rescued. He thanked the CJTF for their support during the operation, highlighting the importance of community collaboration in combating insurgency in the region.
Operation HADIN KAI is a joint military operation launched by the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and other security agencies in 2020 to suppress Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) activities in the North-East. Borno State, along with neighboring Yobe and Adamawa States, has been a major theatre of insurgent attacks since the rise of Boko Haram in 2009.
The insurgency has led to widespread insecurity, causing thousands of deaths and displacing millions of people. Over the years, troops, often working with the CJTF—a community-based vigilante group formed to support the military—have carried out repeated operations to reclaim territories, rescue abducted civilians, and disrupt terrorist networks.
The Sojiri axis of Konduga LGA has remained a hotspot for attacks, with militants often targeting remote villages and trade routes. Residents have reported abductions, killings, and raids, which have disrupted economic activities and strained local communities.
The CJTF, composed of local volunteers, has been crucial in providing intelligence and support to the military. By sharing information about terrorist movements, the CJTF helps troops carry out targeted operations, reducing civilian casualties and improving operational efficiency.
In recent years, joint operations between the Nigerian military and CJTF have led to the neutralisation of many insurgents and the liberation of abducted civilians. Their cooperation has been cited as a key factor in gradually reclaiming territories previously under terrorist control.
The successful operation along the Sojiri axis is expected to boost morale among local residents and restore a sense of security. The rescued civilians will be reunited with their families, a relief to communities that have been living under constant threat from insurgents.
According to the Joint Task Force statement, the military recovered AK-47 rifles and other sundry items during the operation. The seizure of these weapons is significant, as it reduces the operational capability of terrorists in the region and limits the chances of further attacks on villages and trade routes.