Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), supported by airstrikes and local intelligence, have neutralised 24 terrorists across Borno and Adamawa states in a series of coordinated operations conducted between July 4 and 9, 2025.

The operation was part of a renewed offensive aimed at flushing out remnants of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.

A statement by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command OPHK, confirmed the success of the operations, which involved ground troops, air support from the Nigerian Air Force, and collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local hunters.

According to the statement, on July 4, troops lying in ambush at Platari in Borno State engaged terrorists travelling on bicycles from Sambisa Forest to the Timbuktu Triangle.

“Three terrorists were neutralised in the firefight. In a related ambush the same day, another terrorist was eliminated near Komala following actionable intelligence on insurgent movements in the area. Troops recovered motorcycles, spare parts, sprayers, pesticides, and food items.

“Further south in Kawuri, Konduga LGA, a night ambush yielded more success as troops intercepted insurgents transporting logistics.

“Two terrorists were killed, while others fled with gunshot wounds. Recovered items included food seasoning, detergents, and other supplies,” the statement noted.

It also noted that on July 5, troops intercepted a group of terrorists attempting to infiltrate the Madarari Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Konduga LGA. One insurgent was killed, while others escaped. Several rounds of ammunition were recovered in the aftermath.

“Simultaneously, a fighting patrol to Leno Kura uncovered yet another terrorist hideout.

“Troops engaged the insurgents with superior firepower, killing three and continuing to clear the area of any residual threats.

“On July 6, troops ambushed insurgents along key crossing points on the Ngoshe-Gava, Ngoshe-Ashigashiya, and Amuda-Gava roads, neutralising one terrorist. The following day, July 7, intelligence led troops to Sabsawa village, where they encountered and eliminated two logistics suppliers.

“Items recovered included bicycles, sacks of slippers, batteries, torchlights, salt, and rubber shoes”, the Army reported

The Army further said that in a major joint operation on July 8, troops backed by air support from the OPHK Air Component launched a clearance mission in Bula Marwa, a known ISWAP enclave.

“One terrorist was killed, while a weapon, uniforms, and essential logistics structures were destroyed.

“Similar joint fighting patrols in Pambula village, Madagali LGA of Adamawa State, led to the neutralisation of another terrorist and the recovery of four motorcycles and a weapon.

“In another clearance operation at Bula Marwa on the same day, troops again engaged insurgents, killing one and destroying their camp”, Kovangiya noted.

He also said that the following day, July 9, clearance operations continued in Tangalanga and Bula Marwa, where three more insurgents were killed. Troops recovered six AK-47 rifles, 47 magazines, and 90 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

According to the Army, later that day, a coordinated ambush in Ngailda, Manjim, and Wulle villages resulted in the neutralisation of six terrorists. Troops seized additional motorcycles and bicycles used by the insurgents for mobility.

“In total, 24 terrorists were neutralised over the five days, in what military authorities describe as a growing momentum in the counter-terrorism fight in the northeast.

“The successful operations, supported by intelligence, local collaboration, and precise air support, highlight the Nigerian military’s intensified push to degrade terrorist capabilities and restore stability in affected areas.

“The neutralisation of these insurgents underscores the synergy and determination of our troops and local partners to place terrorists on the back foot.

“These efforts are crucial in creating the secure atmosphere needed for socio-economic activities to thrive in the region,” the statement read.