Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have neutralised more than 20 terrorists and arrested several collaborators during a series of coordinated operations across Borno and Yobe states between August 23 and 30.
A military source, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the operations were carried out in Gujba, Gubio, Sabsawa, Whumtakum, Mandarari, Gajigana, Konduga, Banki, and Loskori Kura.
The source revealed that the offensives were supported by the Air Component of OPHK, alongside local security outfits, who provided crucial assistance in flushing out insurgents hiding within rural settlements.
During the operations, troops recovered several AK-47 rifles, Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, bombs, hundreds of rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and a large cache of logistics items.
Soldiers also safely detonated multiple Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by terrorists, preventing potential attacks against both civilians and military formations in the region.
In a major breakthrough, troops intercepted 242 bags of NPK fertiliser meant for insurgents. According to the military source, fertiliser is often diverted by terrorists for producing Improvised Explosive Devices, making its seizure a significant disruption to enemy operations.
The source further disclosed that the offensives disrupted insurgent supply chains, denied them freedom of movement, and enhanced the safety of socio-economic activities in liberated areas.
The Nigerian military high command commended the troops for their resilience and professionalism during the week-long operations. Senior commanders also assured frontline soldiers of continued support to consolidate gains in the counter-insurgency campaign.
The fight against insurgency in Nigeria’s North East has spanned more than a decade, with millions displaced and thousands of lives lost. However, officials say coordinated operations like these are gradually restoring security and confidence in communities previously under insurgent control.
Residents of affected areas have welcomed the renewed offensive, describing it as a step towards reclaiming normalcy in their daily lives. Local security outfits, working in tandem with OPHK, also reiterated their commitment to sustaining pressure on the terrorists.
Security analysts note that continued synergy between the military, air components, and community-based security groups remains crucial to ending insurgent threats in the region.
As the Nigerian Army intensifies its push against insurgents, authorities say these gains represent a significant boost in the broader fight to secure Borno, Yobe, and other affected areas.
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