By Nkechi Eze
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have recorded another major success in ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Borno State, neutralizing nine Boko Haram terrorists and recovering over ₦5 million ransom money during separate fighting patrols in the Magumeri and Gajiram general areas.
In a statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the operations were conducted on 10 October 2025 following credible intelligence on the movement of Boko Haram terrorists around Goni Dunari in Magumeri Local Government Area.
According to the statement, the terrorists, moving in two vehicles with 24 foot fighters, were sighted setting houses ablaze and terrorizing locals in the area. Acting swiftly, troops of the 109 Special Forces Battalion, Magumeri, launched an aggressive fighting patrol to intercept the threat. As troops advanced, the terrorists attempted to flee towards Damjiyakiri village, with vehicle-borne fighters dispersing to unknown locations while the foot fighters were pursued over a distance of approximately 92 kilometres.
“After about four hours of tactical pursuit, troops established contact with the fleeing terrorists and immediately launched a frontal attack,” Lieutenant Colonel Uba stated. The engagement resulted in the neutralization of five terrorists, while the remaining 19 fled in disarray, leaving behind trails of blood, indicating possible injuries.
Items recovered from the encounter include one AK-47 rifle (Reg. No. 06798), five magazines (three empty and two loaded), 31 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one Itel mobile phone, and a dagger. Remarkably, no casualties or equipment losses were recorded by the troops during the operation.
In a separate but related development along the Gajiram Bolori Mile 40 Gajiganna axis, troops mounted on motorcycles engaged another group of Boko Haram fighters near Zundur village. During the firefight, four terrorists were neutralized, while others fled into the surrounding bushes.
The troops also rescued two kidnapped victims, Mr. Modu Kinnami, aged 55, and Mr. Bukar, aged 57, both from Guzamala and recovered a sack containing ₦750,000. Preliminary investigations revealed that the terrorists had earlier demanded a ransom of ₦2 million and two new Tecno button phones for the release of the victims’ brother.
Recovered items from the Gajiram operation include one blue pickup vehicle (Reg. No. GUB 327 XA), two new Tecno button phones, one jerrycan containing 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and a total cash sum of ₦4,355,000.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba confirmed that further operations are ongoing across all fronts to maintain pressure on the terrorists, deny them freedom of movement, and consolidate recent gains achieved by the troops.
He commended the gallantry and professionalism of the forces involved, noting that the successful missions underscore the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-driven operations and the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian military to restoring lasting peace and stability in the North East.
