By Nkechi Eze
In a major tactical blow to Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, troops of Operation HADIN KAI have uncovered and recovered over 60 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), neutralised several insurgents, and captured a cache of weapons in a series of aggressive offensive operations aimed at restoring peace and security across the North-East region.
The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for Headquarters Theatre Command, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Reuben Kovangiya, disclosed this in an official statement released on Thursday. He said the latest operational successes are part of a renewed effort by the Nigerian military to deny terrorists freedom of action and protect critical infrastructure in the region.
According to the statement, on 3 July 2025, troops conducting operations around the Marte and Dikwa general areas in Borno State made a significant breakthrough when they discovered a massive cache of heavily primed IEDs. The explosives were concealed at a strategic bridge linking Marte to Dikwa, where they were believed to have been planted by terrorists to inflict mass casualties and destroy key national infrastructure. The timely discovery and recovery of the IEDs have averted what could have been a catastrophic attack.
In another coordinated operation in Fulatari, located in Gubio Local Government Area, troops on a fighting patrol arrested a suspected terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with ammunition. A large quantity of additional rounds was also seized during the mission, further weakening the operational capability of the terror group in the area.
Elsewhere, a combat team conducting a mission around Mussini in Ngala Local Government Area encountered terrorist fighters and engaged them with superior firepower. The fierce confrontation forced the terrorists to flee in disarray, abandoning several weapons and logistics. Items recovered from the site included AK-47 rifles, multiple jerrycans of premium motor spirit (PMS), motorcycles, and insurgents’ uniforms.
Further south in the Salekwa area of Mafa Local Government Area, troops once again made contact with insurgents during an offensive operation. Several terrorists were neutralised during the encounter, while others escaped. Exploitation of the area led to the recovery of more AK-47 rifles, loaded magazines, and the remains of a neutralised terrorist fighter.
Captain Kovangiya confirmed that the Theatre Command has commended the resilience and bravery of the troops who continue to operate with high morale and precision. He also noted that the success of these missions was supported by close air support from the Air Component Command of Operation HADIN KAI and collaborative efforts with other security agencies and local stakeholders.
The military said these operations mark another milestone in its campaign to reclaim and stabilise the North-East region, encouraging the return of socio-economic activities and the rebuilding of affected communities.
“The troops remain undeterred and committed to the mission of restoring peace in the region, and will continue to hunt down terrorists and dismantle their networks wherever they are found,” the statement affirmed.
