Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have neutralized 13 Boko Haram insurgents and recovered eight AK-47 rifles following a failed ambush and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack at Kareto, Borno State.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, as the troops escorted humanitarian aid trucks along the Gubio–Damasak road in Borno North.

According to Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (JTF) OPHK, the insurgents detonated two IEDs and opened fire in an attempt to ambush the convoy.

“However, the gallant troops swiftly took position and professionally suppressed the insurgents with overwhelming firepower, eliminating 13 of them on the spot, while others fled in disarray,” Uba stated.

He said the troops pursued the fleeing terrorists, recovered eight AK-47 rifles, 10 magazines, a large cache of 7.62mm ammunition, camel bags, several rolls of detonating cord wires, and multiple primed IEDs.

“Unfortunately, one soldier sustained a minor injury and is in stable condition. Four MRAP tyres were damaged, and two trucks were engulfed in flames during the encounter,” Uba added.

He disclosed that OPHK troops have continued clearance operations in the area to deny the insurgents freedom of movement and to ensure the safe delivery of relief materials, which have since been secured and moved to Damasak.