Soldiers kill terrorists, recover weapons in Borno - Punch Newspapers

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. 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. 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. He said the troops immediately adopted defensive measures, while the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided close air support. “Faced with the coordinated response, the terrorists withdrew from the vicinity of the location into adjoining areas,” Goni said. In a separate incident later that night, terrorists identified by the military as Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters attacked FOB Mairari. The attackers reportedly met stiff resistance from troops, backed by close air support from the Air Component. Goni said the attack was successfully contained, with casualties inflicted on the terrorists. “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. Some troops sustained injuries during the engagement and were promptly stabilised before being airlifted to hospital, where they are receiving medical attention. Oyo kidnap victims drank dirty water, ate unsalted rice — Survivor Marafa vows to end banditry in Zamfara Police engage stakeholders over Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau kidnappings Following the engagements, the Commander, Sector 3 Operation HADIN KAI, conducted a post-engagement assessment of the affected locations. The locations were subsequently reinforced, while troops continued to conduct operations in surrounding areas to prevent the terrorists from regrouping. 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. 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. According to the military, they surrendered with three AK-47 rifles, five magazines, a motorcycle and a cache of ammunition. The surrendered terrorists are currently in military custody and undergoing preliminary investigation and profiling. 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. Ajose reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to sustaining operational pressure against terrorist groups and protecting communities across the North-East. 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. Gilbert Ekugbe Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.

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