Nigerian Troops kill 5 Boko Haram insurgents in Sambisa forest operation

Troops under Operation Hadin Kai have intensified their counter-terrorism efforts, eliminating five Boko Haram insurgents during a clearance operation in Ladin Buttu, a critical area within Sambisa Forest.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the operation—carried out over the weekend—targeted Ladin Buttu due to its strategic importance as a logistics hub and water-access point frequently used by insurgents. The location has long served as a hideout and transit route for terrorists operating along the forest’s periphery.

Military sources disclosed that a fierce gun battle erupted when troops made contact with the insurgents. Five were killed on the spot, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Troops recovered three AK-47 rifles, five fully loaded magazines, and additional military-grade equipment from the scene.

This latest operation is part of an intensified military strategy to disrupt the remaining strongholds of Boko Haram and ISWAP. The push follows a directive from the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who recently visited the theatre of operations and ordered increased ground assaults and aerial reconnaissance across key areas including Sambisa, the Timbuktu Triangle, and the Lake Chad region.