Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation HADIN KAI have ambushed a Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province logistics convoy in Borno State, neutralising 21 terrorists during operations in Sojiri and Kayamla communities.
According to a statement posted on the Nigerian Army’s X handle on Sunday, the operation followed credible intelligence that more than 100 Boko Haram terrorists had converged in the area to launch coordinated attacks on nearby communities and transport supplies to their strongholds.
“Acting on this intelligence, troops, working in close synergy with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilantes, swiftly mobilised to intercept the terrorists. Contact was made at about 1200 hours as the terrorists advanced.
“The troops immediately engaged the enemy in a fierce and sustained firefight. During the encounter, the terrorists attempted a rear-flanking attack on the troops, which was effectively thwarted as troops responded with superior firepower, dominating the engagement.
“Subsequent aggressive exploitation deep into the forest confirmed the neutralisation of 21 terrorists, with several others believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds,” the statement added.
The Army said follow-on operations were ongoing to determine additional enemy casualties and recover more items.
Items recovered from the terrorists included several bicycles, assorted food items, drugs and medical supplies, detergents, clothing materials, bicycle tyres, torchlights and other logistics items, as well as assorted weapons of different calibres and ammunition.
The NA said troops remained in high morale, with fighting efficiency described as strong and unwavering.
It added that the operation highlighted the effectiveness of intelligence-driven joint security efforts in degrading terrorist networks and disrupting their logistics and sustainment capabilities.
The troops of Operation Hadin Kai also uncovered an improvised explosive device planted along the Damboa–Komala road and arrested two suspected logistics suppliers to Boko Haram terrorists operating around Kirawa in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, who disclosed this in a statement, said the successes were recorded in separate operations between December 17 and 19.
