Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in collaboration with local security outfits and supported by the Air Component Command, have recorded a major success against terrorists in the Northeast, neutralizing 12 fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in coordinated offensive operations across Borno State.
The operations, carried out between August 29 and 30, targeted known terrorist enclaves in Tamsu Ngamdu, Dalakaleri, and Gaza. According to military authorities, the offensive was part of intensified efforts to deny ISWAP and other terror groups safe havens within the Lake Chad Basin and surrounding areas.
During a clearance operation at Loskori Kura, troops encountered armed insurgents, leading to a heavy exchange of gunfire. Twelve terrorists were killed in the clash, while several others reportedly fled with gunshot wounds.
The troops recovered eight AK-47 rifles, eight fully loaded magazines containing 7.62mm rounds of ammunition, as well as a cache of drugs and medical supplies believed to have been used by the insurgents in sustaining their operations.
A senior military source described the mission as a “long-range offensive commando operation” backed by intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets of the Nigerian Air Force, which guided ground troops to identified terrorist locations.
The Defence Headquarters commended the resilience and courage of the troops, stressing that the success demonstrates the renewed momentum of counter-terrorism operations under Operation Hadin Kai. Commanders in the Theatre have also been directed to sustain the pressure until all remnants of terrorist groups are neutralized.
Security analysts note that the recent push reflects a broader strategy by the Armed Forces to degrade terrorist capabilities ahead of the ember months, a period historically marked by heightened insurgent activity. The clearance of camps in Tamsu Ngamdu and Dalakaleri is expected to further restrict ISWAP’s freedom of movement in the region.
The military reiterated its appeal to residents of Borno and neighbouring states to continue providing timely and credible intelligence on suspicious movements, assuring them that all information will be treated with confidentiality.
With this latest operation, OPHK has reaffirmed its resolve to maintain aggressive pressure on terrorist networks, safeguarding local communities and securing liberated areas for resettlement and development initiatives.
