Army Kills 18 Terrorists, Recovers Arms In Coordinated Operations In Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have killed no fewer than 18 terrorists and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during coordinated operations in Borno State.

The operations, which took place along the Azir Bridge in the Timbuktu axis and the Bulabulin Forest, were carried out by troops of Sector 2 in collaboration with the Air Component Command of OPHK.

The Media Information Officer of the North-East Joint Taskforce, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, noting that 11 terrorists were neutralised in the Bulabulin Forest, while seven were killed in the Timbuktu axis.

He said, “On the Bulabulin Forest axis, troops of Sector 2 OPHK in conjunction with elements of Stabilisation Force of Sector 2 and the Civilian Joint Task Force cleared terrorist enclaves at Mar, Subdu, Yaro Lawanti, and Yaro Shuwari, as well as other areas contiguous to the Bulabulin Forest and the Kamadogu Yobe stretch.

“During the operation, supported by assault air platforms from the Air Component Command, the troops made contact at Malam Shiri Village and engaged the terrorists in a well-coordinated and tactical flanking manoeuvre, neutralising 11 terrorists and forcing others to flee with varying degrees of injuries.”

Uba added that all life-support structures within the enclaves were destroyed, while exploitation of the area led to the recovery of nine AK-47 rifles, three PKT anti-aircraft machine guns, five motorcycles, assorted ammunition, and materials used for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)

He further stated, “Similarly, at the Timbuktu axis along the Wajiroko Sabongari corridor, troops had further operations with the terrorists, supported by the Air Component Command of OPHK.

“The troops with resilience and tactical discipline maintained positions and decisively dealt with the terrorists. Subsequent exploitation revealed seven neutralised terrorists, with additional blood trails and body parts indicating significantly higher enemy casualties during the assault.”

Recovered items from the second operation included AK-47 rifles, RPG tubes, a large cache of ammunition, bandoliers, and communication equipment.

Uba emphasised the critical role played by the Air Component Command, noting that it provided sustained Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, which enabled accurate targeting and real-time coordination with ground forces.

“The Air Component Command of OPHK played a very crucial and decisive role in both engagements, providing persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance that enabled accurate target acquisition and real-time situational awareness for ground troops coordinated fire,” he said.

He added that precision air interdiction strikes were carried out on confirmed terrorist positions and fleeing fighters, further degrading insurgent capabilities and ensuring the success of the joint air-land offensive.

According to him, troops, alongside volunteer forces, are currently conducting follow-up operations along the Forfor, Multe, and Wajiroko axes to consolidate gains, pursue fleeing terrorists, and prevent regrouping.

“These successful engagements further reinforce OPHK’s growing operational effectiveness and sustained dominance across the battlespace,” Uba said.

He noted that the military high command has commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience, urging them to sustain the momentum.