By Nkechi Eze
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in continued pursuit of their mandate to eliminate terrorism and restore peace in the North East, have intensified offensive operations and logistics disruption efforts across several key theatres. Working in close coordination with the Air Component, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local hunters, the operations carried out between 15 and 22 July 2025 have delivered significant operational successes.
An official statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye disclosed that in Adamawa State’s Madagali Local Government Area, troops of the 114 Battalion on 15 July intercepted a terrorist logistics convoy and recovered four motorcycles, soft drinks, bags of cement, and foodstuffs. The following day, seven suspected logistics suppliers were arrested with a large cache of consumables and materials believed to be destined for insurgent use. These seizures form part of the broader push to cut off terrorist access to critical supplies.
“Kinetic operations have also intensified across the region. On 17 July, troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion engaged terrorists around the Amuda and Chinene axis in Gwoza LGA, Borno State, neutralizing one insurgent while others fled under heavy fire. In a separate incident on 18 July, the 27 Task Force Brigade carried out a successful night ambush along the Lambawa–Kalari road in Kaga LGA. Troops engaged the enemy in a firefight, neutralizing another terrorist and recovering weapons and spare parts. Continued raids and ambushes from 18 to 22 July disrupted multiple infiltration attempts in Bama, Monguno, and Konduga, further degrading the insurgents’ ability to regroup or strike.
“Troops also made several high-profile arrests linked to terrorist logistics and criminal facilitation. Along the Maiduguri–Mafa road, they intercepted smuggled petrol concealed in sacks, exposing a cross-border fuel smuggling operation believed to benefit terror groups. On 19 July, security forces arrested one Mallam Aminu Idris, who was caught transporting Starlink satellite equipment without authorization at a checkpoint along the Kano–Maiduguri route. He is suspected of attempting to supply advanced communication tools to insurgents. On the same day, a drug courier identified as Ali Abba was arrested en route to Damasak with large quantities of tramadol and diazepam, both of which are commonly used by terrorists to enhance combat endurance.
“Troops also recovered significant caches of arms, ammunition, and IED components during several operations. On 20 July, in Madagali LGA, Adamawa State, a cache of IED-making materials was discovered around Takaskala. That same day, troops in Monguno foiled an infiltration attempt, recovering RPG bombs, rounds of ammunition, and other combat-related materials. Additional recoveries across the theatre included motorcycles, bicycles, communication gadgets, and small arms.
“The military also recorded surrenders, arrests of collaborators, and civil-military cooperation breakthroughs. On 21 July, 10 family members of terrorists surrendered to troops in Bama LGA, citing their departure from Gashua village in search of safety. Intelligence-led operations also led to the arrest of several terrorist collaborators and informants, including a 15-year-old boy suspected of providing intelligence to insurgents.
“In a final strategic operation on 22 July, acting on credible intelligence, troops intercepted a logistics-laden truck en route from Maiduguri to Gamboru. Items recovered from the truck included a 12V 220AH solar battery, 16 solar panels of 200W capacity, three 2000W power inverters, an inverter controller, assorted electrical cables, and 100 gas regulators. Also recovered were cartons of carburetor gas, refrigerators, and food items, among other logistics materials, all believed to be intended for terrorist camps.
“The intensified operations under Operation HADIN KAI have significantly degraded the logistical and operational capabilities of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters across the region.
“By systematically denying terrorist groups access to weapons, fuel, food, and communication tools, the Armed Forces of Nigeria is tightening the noose around insurgent networks and restricting their ability to conduct coordinated attacks.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria commends the bravery and resilience of the troops and assured Nigerians of the military’s unwavering commitment to achieving lasting peace and security in the region.” The statement concluded.
