The Nigerian Military have neutralised 24 Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents in series of coordinated five-day ambushes and clearance operations.

The operations, carried out by the troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK),  were reportedly conducted across Borno and parts of Adamawa states between 4th and 9th of July.

The Acting Deputy-Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Reuben Kovangiya, made the confirmation on Wednesday in Maiduguri.

Kovangiya said the operations, conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force component, Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, and local hunters, were part of on-going efforts to sustain pressure on terrorist enclaves and restore normalcy in the region.

The command’s spokesperson further said that the operations began on July 4, when troops lying in ambush at Platari, engaged insurgents on bicycles moving from Sambisa Forest toward the Timbuktu Triangle, killing three.

He said that another terrorist was ambushed around the Komala general area by the troops who also recovered motorcycles, spare parts, pesticides and food supplies.

“The same day, the troops executed a night ambush at Kawuri in Konduga Local Government Area, where two terrorists conveying logistics were gunned down, and others escaped with injuries. 

“Recovered items included salt, detergents, and food condiments.

“On July 5 troops intercepted insurgents attempting to access the Madarari Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camp in Konduga, killing one terrorist and recovering several rounds of ammunition,” Kovangiya said.

The command’s spokesperson, however,  said further contact was made with terrorists at Leno Kura during a fighting patrol, leading to the neutralisation of three insurgents in a crossfire.

“On July 6, troops carried out a night ambush at suspected crossing points between Ngoshe–Gava, Ngoshe–Ashigashiya, and Amuda–Gava.
One terrorist was killed while others fled,” he said.

He also said that on July 7, troops ambushed terrorist logistics suppliers near Sabsawa village, neutralising two insurgents and recovering bicycles, torches, slippers, batteries, and other sundry items.

On July 8, troops, in collaboration with CJTF and under close air support, carried out a clearance operation at Bula Marwa, a known ISWAP and JAS stronghold, where one terrorist was killed and life-support structures destroyed.

In another operation on the same day, troops in joint patrol with hunters and CJTF raided terrorists’ hideouts in Pambula village, Madagali LGA of Adamawa, one insurgent was neutralised, and troops recovered four motorcycles and a dane gun.

Kovangiya added that troops continued clearance at Bula Marwa on July 8, killing another terrorist and dismantling their camp.

“On July 9, in joint operations with the Civilian Joint Task Force, troops cleared JAS and ISWAP enclaves at Tangalanga and Bula Marwa.

“Three insurgents were killed and six AK-47 rifles, 47 magazines, and 90 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered,” he said.

The command’s spokesperson said further ambush operations were conducted in Ngailda, Manjim, and Wulle villages in collaboration with hybrid forces, resulting in the killing of six additional terrorists.

According to him, the success of the operations highlights the resilience and synergy between the troops, air components, and local support forces.

“The neutralisation of 24 terrorists underscores the determination and concerted efforts of OPHK to place insurgents on the back foot and create a secure environment for socio-economic recovery in the North East,” the spokesman added.