Troops neutralize 10 terrorists in fierce gun battle near Lake Chad

In a significant stride in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, combined forces from Operation Hadin Kai and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have successfully neutralised 10 terrorists during a fierce gunfight near the country’s northeastern border.

The high-stakes confrontation occurred on Monday along the Rann–Gamboru Ngala road, a notorious hotspot near the Lake Chad Basin, which has long served as a safe haven for Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.

According to Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, the joint clearance operation was part of a broader offensive aimed at dismantling insurgent hideouts and restoring peace and stability to the region.

He said, “The encounter occurred during a combined operation strategically designed and executed to flush out remnants of BH/ISAWP terrorists operating within the border communities.

“The troops, acting on credible intelligence, masterfully stormed the terrorists’ hideout between Rann and Gamboru, resulting in an intense gun battle, where 10 terrorists met their Waterloo, as a result of the superior firepower of the gallant troops.

“After the firefight, a huge cache of arms and ammunition were recovered from the scene, including some quantity of anti-aircraft ammunition.

‘The operation was part of a broader strategy to dominate the Southern Lake Chad axis and prevent cross-border movement of BH/ISWAP terrorists.

“The recovered weapons are undergoing further technical analysis while search efforts are ongoing to locate possible escapees and other terrorists’ hideouts in the area.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with the MNJTF, Hybrid Forces and other security agencies have intensified operational tempo in the Lake Chad Basin and other parts of Northern Borno in order to eliminate the remnants of BH/ISWAP in the region.”