Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised five terrorists and rescued three kidnapped civilians during a coordinated military operation in Borno State.
The Nigerian Army disclosed this on Sunday, saying the operation was carried out around the Konduga Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement by the Theatre Command spokesman, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, the operation took place in the early hours of January 4, 2026, along the Sojiri axis.
“In the early hours of 4 January 2026, troops in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force engaged terrorists at a known crossing point along the Sojiri axis,” Uba said.
He added, “The operation resulted in the neutralisation of five terrorists without any casualties to own troops, demonstrating the effectiveness and professionalism of the security forces.”
Uba said the troops also rescued three civilians who had been abducted by the terrorists and recovered AK-47 rifles during the encounter.
“Importantly, the troops successfully rescued three hostages abducted by the terrorists and recovered AK-47 rifles during the operation,” he said.
The army said the operation highlighted the commitment of Operation Hadin Kai to offensive action against terrorist groups and the protection of civilians, while also stressing the importance of collaboration with local security partners.
Uba noted that troop morale remained high and that security forces continued to maintain dominance across the theatre despite the evolving security situation.
The operation in Borno came amid another military action that led to scores of bandits being neutralised following coordinated ground and air operations after recent attacks on communities in Kano State.
According to the army, bandits attacked Shanono and Tsanyawa Local Government Areas of Kano State on the night of January 1, with the assaults extending into the early hours of January 2.
Troops of the joint task force were said to have repelled the attacks and inflicted heavy casualties on the assailants.
Military sources said the fleeing bandits were later tracked from Kano into Karaduwa village in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, where the air component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA carried out a precision strike.
“Intelligence reports indicated that the terrorists were conducting a burial for their killed members at Dan Marke in Matazu LGA,” the army said.
“The Air Component located and trailed their movement until their motorcycles converged, after which a precision air strike was executed.”
The army added that the operation was supported by aerial Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions, which enabled accurate targeting of the fleeing bandits.
