Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation HADIN KAI have killed 21 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists during an ambush in Borno State.
The operation took place in Sojiri and Kayamla communities after intelligence reports revealed that over 100 terrorists had gathered in the area to move supplies and launch coordinated attacks on nearby communities.
In a statement shared on its official X handle on Sunday, the Nigerian Army said the troops acted swiftly on the intelligence in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilantes.
“Acting on this intelligence, troops, working in close synergy with the Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilantes, swiftly mobilised to intercept the terrorists. Contact was made at about 1200 hours as the terrorists advanced,” the Army said.
It added that the troops engaged the convoy in a fierce gun battle after making contact.
“The troops immediately engaged the enemy in a fierce and sustained firefight. During the encounter, the terrorists attempted a rear-flanking attack on the troops, which was effectively thwarted as troops responded with superior firepower, dominating the engagement,” the statement said.
According to the Army, troops later pushed deep into the forest to confirm the impact of the operation.
“Subsequent aggressive exploitation deep into the forest confirmed the neutralisation of 21 terrorists, with several others believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds,” it added.
The Army said follow-up operations were still ongoing to determine if there were more casualties and to recover additional items.
Several logistics and weapons were recovered from the terrorists, including bicycles, food items, drugs and medical supplies, detergents, clothing, bicycle tyres, torchlights, as well as assorted weapons and ammunition.
The Army noted that the troops involved in the operation remained highly motivated and combat-ready, describing their fighting spirit as strong and unwavering.
It added that the success of the ambush showed the value of intelligence-led operations and joint security efforts in weakening terrorist networks and cutting off their supply lines.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation HADIN KAI had earlier recorded more successes in the state. Between December 17 and 19, soldiers uncovered an improvised explosive device along the Damboa–Komala road and arrested two suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers around Kirawa in Gwoza Local Government Area.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, confirmed the earlier operations in a separate statement.
