Troops of Operation Hadin Kai has neutralised more than 50 terrorists, including a top ISWAP commander, and arrested multiple collaborators across Borno, following intensified operations in the North-East.
This is disclosed in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.
The military stated that the significant victory came after a targeted attack near Kirta and Arina Ciki that killed a number of terrorist leaders, including ISWAP Shura Council member Khalifa Umar.
According to the article, militants were under pressure to flee island strongholds and head towards the mainland as a result of the ongoing air offensive.
According to the report, troops conducted separate operations in Maiduguri and the adjacent areas to seize three suspected ISWAP logistical providers and informants, as well as a deserter soldier who fled with his weapon and was later connected to criminal activity.
It revealed that 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), a car, a firearm with magazines, and other supplies used to facilitate terrorist activities were found among the suspects.
It further stated that troops engaged terrorist scouts who were fleeing and recovered ammunition while conducting fighting patrols in the Kukawa axis.
Operation Hadin Kai, Nigeria’s long-running counterterrorism campaign, continues to centre on the North-East theatre.
ISWAP and JAS enclaves around the Lake Chad Basin and Sambisa axis have been the target of coordinated air and ground offensives over the years.
The goal of recent operations has been to disrupt terrorist command structures, supply hubs, and mobility routes by combining precision airstrikes with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).
According to military authorities, the changing tactics have made rebels leave defended island sanctuaries and split up into smaller cells, making them more susceptible to persistent pursuit operations.
The most recent round of operations is a reflection of ongoing attempts to disrupt supply routes, weaken leadership components, and restrict terrorists’ freedom of movement within the state and adjacent border corridors.
The military also said that operations will continue in order to further weaken terrorist capabilities and bring peace back to the area. (NAN).
