Troops take down terrorists and seize weapons in Borno

Troops from the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have taken down terrorists and seized weapons during operations in Borno State.

These operations also stopped attacks on two Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) at Gajiram in Nganzai Local Government Area and Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area.

Captain Mohammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer, shared this on X on Friday. He said that on September 17, troops spotted terrorists moving towards FOB Gajiram with help from the Multinational Joint Task Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance.

The troops quickly set up 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.

Later that night, terrorists identified as Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters attacked FOB Mairari. The attackers faced strong resistance from the troops, who were supported by close air support.

Goni noted that the attack was successfully contained, inflicting casualties 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 of the troops suffered injuries during the clash and were quickly stabilized before being airlifted to a hospital for treatment. Following the skirmishes, the Commander of Sector 3 Operation HADIN KAI checked the affected areas.

These locations were reinforced, and troops continued operations in nearby areas to stop the terrorists from regrouping. Meanwhile, ongoing military pressure in the Joint Operations Area has led to the surrender of two Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists, including a commander.

The two terrorists surrendered to troops of Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI along the Miyanti-Darel Jamel route in Bama Local Government Area on September 16. According to the military, they gave themselves up with three AK-47 rifles, five magazines, a motorcycle and a stockpile of ammunition.

The surrendered terrorists are now in military custody and are undergoing initial investigations and profiling. Major General Ibikunle Ajose, the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force (North East), praised the troops, the MNJTF ISR team, and the aircrew for their watchfulness, bravery, and teamwork.

Ajose also reaffirmed the task force’s promise to keep up pressure on terrorist groups and protect communities in the North-East. He urged remaining terrorists to surrender through the proper channels and called on the public to keep giving timely and reliable information to security forces.