The Nigeria military, under Operation HADIN KAI, has recorded fresh operational successes in the North-East, including the successful repulsion of an ISWAP attack on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Logomani in Borno State, the rescue of abductees, the arrest of suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and the recovery of arms, ammunition and illicit items.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, troops sustained aggressive operations across the theatre through intelligence-led missions, search-and-rescue operations and coordinated security efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist networks.
According to the statement, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion rescued two abductees during a search-and-rescue operation in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. The operation also led to the recovery of N1.2 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities, food items and other logistics believed to have supported terrorist operations. The rescued victims have since been evacuated to a secure location for medical care and psychosocial support.
The military also disclosed that troops stationed at FOB Logomani in Ngala Local Government Area successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists. Although the insurgents briefly breached part of the base’s defensive perimeter, troops quickly regrouped, launched a counter-offensive and forced the attackers to retreat after inflicting heavy casualties.
The operation, however, claimed the life of one soldier, while two gun trucks and some combat equipment were damaged during the exchange of fire. The military said reinforcements had been deployed to the base while exploitation operations and additional defensive measures were ongoing.
In Adamawa State, troops of the 232 Battalion arrested a suspected notorious criminal in Gombi Local Government Area. Follow-up operations led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
Similarly, troops of the 149 Battalion apprehended two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State. Recovered items included cash, a Volkswagen Golf vehicle, construction materials, household items and other supplies allegedly meant for terrorist groups.
In another operation around Wulgo, troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade working with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force conducted clearance operations on terrorist enclaves and recovered a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing insurgents.
The military also revealed that six suspected ISWAP members, alongside their families, surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion in Sector One. Preliminary investigations indicated they escaped from terrorist enclaves in Guduf Bubayagwa and Chikide on the Mandara Mountains in Gwoza Local Government Area.
Items recovered from the surrendered suspects included N1.541 million in cash, two Tecno mobile phones and other materials.
Relatedly, troops arrested another suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier at Molai checkpoint while transporting large quantities of medical supplies without the required clearance.
In Yobe State, troops of the 233 Tank Battalion, working alongside local hunters, intercepted and arrested another suspected terrorist logistics supplier from Ngirya village in Tarmuwa Local Government Area. Five motorcycle tyres believed to be intended for terrorist operations were recovered from the suspect.
Operation HADIN KAI said the latest achievements reflected the effectiveness of sustained military offensives, actionable intelligence and strong collaboration with other security agencies and auxiliary forces in disrupting terrorist logistics networks across the North-East.
The Theatre Command assured residents that search-and-rescue operations would continue until all abducted persons were rescued and reunited with their families.
It also warned individuals supplying food, fuel, construction materials, transport services or any other form of logistics to terrorist groups to desist immediately, stressing that anyone found aiding or collaborating with terrorists would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
