Troops Dislodge Terrorists, Seize Ransom Money In Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai Joint Taskforce in the Northeast has neutralised nine Boko Haram terrorists and recovered N5 million ransom money during a patrol in Magumeri in Magumeri local government area and Gajiram, the headquarters of Nganzai local government area.

A statement yesterday by the media information officer of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said in continuation of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the Northeast, troops of OPHK conducted a successful fighting patrol in response to credible intelligence on the movement of Boko Haram terrorists around Goni Dunari in Magumeri LGA of Borno State on October 10, 2025.

Uba said the terrorists, reportedly moving on two vehicles and 24 foot-fighters, were observed setting houses ablaze and terrorising locals, and acting swiftly, the troops launched an aggressive onslaught to intercept the threat.

He said as troops advanced towards the objective, the terrorists attempted to flee towards Damjiyakiri village, adding that vehicle-borne fighters dispersed to an unknown location, while foot fighters were pursued over a distance of approximately 92 km.

The OPHK spokesman said after about four hours of tactical pursuit, troops established contact with the fleeing terrorists, noting that a frontal attack was immediately launched, and troops engaged the terrorists with a heavy barrage of fire, resulting in the neutralisation of five terrorists, as the remaining 19 dispersed in disarray, while some were wounded as blood trails were observed at the contact scene.

He said items recovered include one AK-47 rifle (Reg, No. 06798), five magazines (3 empty, 2 loaded), 31 x 7.62mm rounds, one Itel mobile phone and one dagger.

He noted that no casualties or equipment losses were recorded by OPHK troops during the operation.

The spokesman said in a similar development along the Gajiram – Bolori – Mile 40 – Gajiganna axis, troops mounted on motorcycles, engaged Boko Haram fighters near Zundur village.

He said during the firefight, four terrorists were neutralised, while others dispersed into the surrounding bush.

“Troops also successfully rescued Mr. Modu Kinnami (55 years old) and Mr Bukar (57 years old), both from Guzamala local government, along with a sack containing N750,000.

“ Preliminary investigations revealed that Boko Haram fighters had demanded a ransom of N2,000,000 and two new Tecno torchlight phones for the release of the captive’s brother.”

Uba said, the troops also recovered a Blue pickup vehicle (Reg No: GUB 327 XA); two new Tecno button phones, one Jerrycan containing 30 litres of petrol and N4,355,000.

He said further operations were ongoing on all fronts to maintain pressure on the terrorists and deny them freedom of movement.