Troops of the Joint Task Force in the North East, under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded significant operational success, eliminating 16 suspected ISWAP fighters and freeing 11 abducted persons during coordinated security operations across Borno State.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba.
Uba explained that the renewed offensive followed a foiled midnight assault by ISWAP elements on the Forward Operating Base in Auno on Feb. 5, which was effectively countered by Sector 1 troops using superior firepower.
He said that acting on intelligence, troops working alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) launched a follow-up clearance operation on Feb. 9 along the Komala axis in Konduga Local Government Area.
According to him, the operation forced the terrorists into retreat toward the Gidan Kaji axis, where 16 were neutralised, while others fled with gunshot injuries.
Recovered items, he said, included more than 20 bicycles, assorted weapons and a large stockpile of logistics materials believed to support insurgent activities.
“In another operation, troops intercepted suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers transporting substantial quantities of drugs meant for terrorist distribution around the Bukarti axis.
“Similarly, soldiers disrupted a kidnap attempt along the Buratai–Kamuya road after responding swiftly to unusual movements in the area.
“Two abducted persons, Mallam Idris Adamu and Mallam Muhammadu Safiyanu, were rescued and safely reunited with their families in Buratai,” he said.
Uba further disclosed that nine additional victims were freed following a rapid response to a distress call along the Chibok–Damboa axis on the same day.
He added that the sustained operations reflect the military’s determination to degrade terrorist capabilities, block supply routes and safeguard communities across the North East.