Troops crush terrorists in night raids, seize arms in Maiduguri

Abdullateef Fowewe

Troops from Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), the Joint Task Force (North East) spearheading counter-terrorism efforts, have intensified their offensive under Operation DESERT SANITY V, neutralising scores of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists while recovering weapons and logistics in multiple sectors.

In a statement issued Saturday by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for OPHK Headquarters, the successes were detailed across the theatre.

“Troops of the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have continued to sustain offensive operations across the theatre under Operation DESERT SANITY V, recording significant operational successes,” Uba announced.

Sector 2 troops, alongside the Civilian Joint Task Force, conducted a decisive night operation around Muktum and Ngirbuwa villages, where they “successfully neutralised scores of the terrorists.”

The raid yielded two AK-47 rifles, three motorcycles, and mobile phones.

Follow-up along the terrorists’ escape route uncovered “drag marks and a shallow grave, indicating additional enemy casualties.”

In Sector 1, patrols along the Bulayobe–Darel Jamel axis intercepted fleeing terrorists crossing the Main Supply Route.

The assailants “fled in disarray, abandoning two sacks containing assorted logistics items suspected to be meant for terrorist elements.”

Uba emphasised the troops’ resolve, “The general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable. However, troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high as they continue to dominate their areas of responsibility and frustrate terrorist activities.”

Headquarters OPHK reaffirmed its mission, stating, “The Headquarters OPHK reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to sustaining pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists until lasting peace and economic stability are fully restored in the North East region.”