Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have killed terrorists and recovered weapons and military equipment during operations in Borno State, according to the military.
The operations also foiled attempted 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, troops detected terrorists advancing towards FOB Gajiram on September 17, following intelligence and surveillance support from Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) assets.
Goni said 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,” he said.
Terrorists Attack FOB Mairari
In a separate incident later that night, terrorists identified by the military as fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked FOB Mairari.
The attackers reportedly encountered stiff resistance from troops, supported by close air operations from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI.
Goni said the attack was successfully contained and casualties were inflicted on the terrorists.
He added that subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of four bodies, alongside AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition, RPG bombs and a camcorder.
Some troops were injured during the engagement and were subsequently stabilised before being airlifted to a hospital for further medical treatment.
Military Reinforces Affected Locations
Following the engagements, the Commander, Sector 3 Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, conducted a post-engagement assessment of the affected locations.
The military subsequently reinforced the two locations, while troops continued operations in surrounding areas to prevent the terrorists from regrouping.
Two JAS Terrorists Surrender
Meanwhile, sustained military operations across the Joint Operations Area have also resulted in the surrender of two Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists, including a Qaid, or commander.
The two individuals 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 quantity of ammunition.
The surrendered individuals are currently in military custody, where they are undergoing preliminary investigation and profiling.
Commander Commends Troops
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, commended the troops, MNJTF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance team, and aircrew for their vigilance, courage and coordination.
Ajose reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to maintaining operational pressure against terrorist groups and protecting communities across Nigeria’s North-East.
He also urged terrorists still operating in the bush to surrender through established channels and called on members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security forces.