By Nkechi Eze
In a sustained push to root out Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters from the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), supported by the Nigerian Air Force and local security partners, have eliminated at least 24 insurgents during a series of offensive operations between July 4 and 9, 2025.
According to a statement signed by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Theatre Command Operation HADIN KAI, the operations were executed across multiple flashpoints in Borno and Adamawa States, involving coordinated ambushes, clearance missions, and fighting patrols. The Nigerian Army worked closely with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and hunters, with crucial air support provided by the Air Component of OPHK.
In one of the key operations on July 4, troops ambushed insurgents mounted on bicycles moving from Sambisa Forest toward the Timbuktu Triangle. The contact at Platari resulted in the neutralization of three terrorists. A separate ambush based on credible intelligence at Komala led to the death of another terrorist and the recovery of motorcycles, sprayers, pesticides, and food supplies.
Also on July 4, troops launched a night operation around Kawuri in Konduga Local Government Area, eliminating two terrorists transporting logistics. The soldiers recovered various items including food seasoning, detergents, and other sundries, suggesting a resupply effort by the terrorists.
On July 5, troops intercepted insurgents attempting to infiltrate the Madarari Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Konduga. Swift engagement by the soldiers led to the killing of one terrorist, while others fled with gunshot wounds. Rounds of ammunition were later recovered during exploitation.
In a separate patrol mission to Leno Kura, troops encountered and killed three terrorists in a coordinated gun assault. Similar successes followed on July 6, when troops ambushed insurgents at suspected crossing points along roads linking Ngoshe, Gava, Ashigashiya, and Amuda. One insurgent was killed during the engagement.
A further operation on July 7 near Sabsawa village led to the elimination of two terrorists believed to be logistics suppliers. Troops recovered bicycles, slippers, batteries, torchlights, and other materials used in sustaining the insurgents.
On July 8, a joint clearance operation with the CJTF, backed by the Air Component of OPHK, targeted Bula Marwa, a known ISWAP stronghold. One insurgent was killed, weapons and uniforms were seized, and their camp was destroyed.
Troops continued their assault in Adamawa State with a fighting patrol to Pambula village in Madagali Local Government Area. After engaging terrorists with heavy firepower, one was neutralized while four motorcycles and a weapon were recovered. Additional clearance operations in Bula Marwa on the same day led to the death of another terrorist and the destruction of another insurgent camp.
On July 9, joint troops conducted a final wave of clearance operations in Tangalanga and Bula Marwa. A fierce firefight ended with the neutralization of three insurgents and the destruction of terrorist infrastructure. Six AK-47 rifles, 47 magazines, and 90 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered during the operation.
In follow-up ambushes at Ngailda, Manjim, and Wulle villages, troops made contact with fleeing insurgents and successfully killed six terrorists. Motorcycles and bicycles used by the insurgents were recovered at the scene.
The Army emphasized that the neutralization of 24 insurgents within the week demonstrates the unyielding resolve and growing synergy between the Nigerian military, the Air Force, and local security partners to dominate the theatre of operations and restore peace to the region.
