By Nkechi Eze
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), supported by precise close air support from the Air Component, have neutralized a notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Malam Jidda, along with several other terrorists during coordinated offensives in Yobe and Borno States.
According to an official signed statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Theatre Command Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Reuben Kovangiya, the terrorists’ commander identified as the Ameer of Ngorgore and Malumti villages was eliminated during a joint ground and air operation carried out on 9 June 2025 in Ngazalgana, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The statement revealed that troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce exchange of firepower, during which Malam Jidda was killed while others escaped with gunshot wounds. In a related encounter, troops conducting a snap ambush operation in the notorious Timbuktu Triangle came in contact with enemy elements and engaged them with heavy fire, leading to the neutralization of several more insurgents.
Further exploitation operations in the Mallamfatori general area of Abadam Local Government Area where recent engagements had seen the neutralization of multiple terrorists, resulted in the discovery of more dead bodies and the recovery of a cache of arms and equipment.
Recovered items included AK-47 rifles, terrorists’ motorcycles, large quantities of ammunition, AK-47 magazines, Rocket Propelled Gun tubes, hand grenades, hand-held radios, and other sundry logistics materials.
“These renewed offensives underscore the effectiveness of ongoing counter-insurgency operations by Operation HADIN KAI, backed by an efficient Air Component. OPHK remains committed to ensuring the complete defeat of Boko Haram/ISWAP and the restoration of peace and security in the North-East region,” the statement affirmed.