Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, have foiled a deadly terrorist ambush along the Miyanti–Banki Junction axis in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, neutralising three terrorists, while two suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters surrendered to troops in Monguno.
According to an official statement signed by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, the troops recorded the operational successes on September 1, 2026, as they intensified offensive operations across the theatre.
The statement said troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, while conducting operations along the Main Supply Route (MSR) Miyanti–Banki Junction at about 8:30 a.m., came under a terrorist ambush initiated with an IED blast and followed by heavy gunfire.
The troops responded swiftly, fought through the ambush and exploited the area, resulting in the neutralisation of three terrorists.
During the operation, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine and 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition. An additional IED was also recovered and secured.
One soldier sustained injuries during the encounter and was evacuated for medical attention. He is reportedly stable and responding to treatment, while a gun truck sustained minor damage.
In a separate development, two suspected ISWAP fighters laid down their arms and surrendered to troops of Sector 3 in Monguno at about 8:20 p.m. on the same day.
The two surrendering terrorists handed over two AK-47 rifles, two magazines and eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
Troops also recovered four Android mobile phones, one button phone, earbuds, a power bank, an ATM card, memory card, USB cable, two head warmers and a bag from the surrendering fighters.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the two men were reportedly members of a group of 10 terrorists who had left an ISWAP camp at Arinna Chiki with the intention of surrendering to the military.
The group, however, reportedly encountered an ISWAP patrol while on their way, leading to an exchange of fire. The whereabouts of the remaining eight members of the group are currently unknown, as troops have intensified efforts to locate them and determine their status.
The surrendered terrorists, weapons and other recovered items have been taken into the custody of Headquarters Sector 3 for further investigation and necessary action.
The latest operations demonstrate the continued pressure being mounted on terrorist elements across Borno State, with troops disrupting hostile activities while providing an avenue for fighters willing to abandon violence to surrender and return to peaceful life.
The Theatre Command reaffirmed its resolve to sustain offensive operations against terrorists who continue to perpetrate violence, while protecting communities, securing critical routes and consolidating efforts towards lasting peace and security across the North-East.
