Army eliminates 21 terrorists in Borno

.As troops of OPHK    arrest  suspected terrorists’ logistics suppliers

CHIDIMMA UCHEGBU, Abuja  and AHMED MARI, Maiduguri

The Nigerian Army troops, under Operation Hadin Kai, have neutralised more than 21 terrorists in a fierce encounter in Sojiri and Kayamla villages along the Damboa–Maiduguri Road in Borno.

This operation was carried out in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

A credible source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.

The source said that the encounter, which occurred around 12:15 a.m. on Sunday, followed credible intelligence of a large gathering of terrorists along the axis, suspected to be preparing for coordinated attacks.

He said the troops immediately mobilised and made contact with the terrorists, estimated at about 100, at noon on Saturday.

According to him, in spite of attempts by an additional group to flank our forces, troops held their ground, employing superior firepower.

“At least 17 bodies were confirmed at the scene, with more suspected as blood trails were observed leading into nearby bushes.

“Items recovered included arms, ammunition, and other logistics, as troops continued to apply pressure to deny the terrorists freedom of movement.

“A tactical withdrawal was carried out to stabilise the situation and allow troops to regroup, with morale reported as high despite the intensity of the encounter,” he said.

The source reiterated the commitment of the military to sustaining offensive operations to protect Maiduguri, Damboa, and surrounding communities in the North-East.

Similarly, Troops of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, under Operations Desert Sanity IV and V, have recorded further operational successes with the discovery and neutralisation of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and the arrest of suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist logistics suppliers in Borno State.

In one operation, troops of 25 Brigade, while conducting a Main Supply Route (MSR) patrol along the Damboa–Komala axis, discovered an IED  on 17 December 2025. The device was promptly secured and successfully detonated by the troops, ensuring the safety of troops and commuters along the route.

In a separate operation based on credible intelligence, troops of OPHK  deployed at a checkpoint along the Maiduguri–Bama Road intercepted and arrested a Lagos-registered vehicle with plate number AKD 244 YE on 19 December 2025. The vehicle was conveying large quantities of food items and energy drinks, suspected to be logistics supplies intended for Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists operating around Kirawa Ward, Gwoza Local Government Area.

This was contained in the statement signed by the Media Information Officer Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.

Two suspects were arrested in connection with the incident. Items recovered include assorted food items and energy drinks, three mobile phones, an identity card, a ring, several sum of cash in Naira and CFA.  The suspects, vehicle, and recovered items have been handed over to the appropriate military intelligence unit for further investigation and necessary action.

The Military High Command commended the troops for their impressive efforts and urged  them to  sustain the operational tempo .The Nigerian military remains resolute in its commitment to denying terrorists freedom of action, disrupting their logistics networks, and ensuring the safety and security of citizens in the North East.

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