Troops gun down 38 ISWAP terrorists, recover weapons in Borno

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have successfully neutralized 38 ISWAP terrorists in a coordinated operation.

According to a statement from Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, the operation took place on Saturday morning, reflecting the military’s ongoing commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring security in the region.

The terrorists had attacked FOB Mandaragirau in Sector 2, Borno State, but were overpowered by well-coordinated JTF troops.

According to the statement, the troops used ambushes and a deliberate offensive-defensive strategy, forcing the attackers into a disorderly retreat. The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI also provided close air support, enhancing targeted responses against the terrorists.

“Subsequent pursuit along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes inflicted further heavy losses. A total of about 38 terrorists were neutralized, with 8 bodies recovered in the immediate area.

“Human intelligence from locals confirms over 30 additional bodies and abandoned weapons along the Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis into the Timbuktu Triangle. Evidence included blood trails and discarded equipment.

Troops recovered 7 AK-47 rifles, 8 magazines, 4 RPGs, and assorted ammunition. There were no fatalities among our forces, though one MRAP was hit by RPG fire, with injured personnel promptly stabilised.

The scale of enemy losses has sparked jubilation among local communities and underscores the sustained dominance of OPHK troops in denying terrorists freedom of action.”