Troops crush terrorists, foil bomb attacks in fierce North East battles

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Nigerian troops under Operation HADIN KAI have dealt a decisive blow to terrorist elements across Borno and Adamawa States, neutralising several insurgents, foiling bomb attacks, and intercepting vital logistics during a week of intense counter-terrorism operations.

Between October 25 and 31, the troops repelled coordinated assaults, dismantled bomb networks, and secured key routes, reaffirming their resolve to crush terrorist strongholds in the North East.

According to the operation’s spokesman, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, troops on Oct. 25 thwarted a deadly plot to attack Kukawa with a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.

The bomb-laden truck was destroyed by a T-55 tank, preventing a large-scale disaster. A 10-year-old girl injured in the attack received immediate medical care.

In another operation, troops and Civilian Joint Task Force operatives neutralised three planted explosives along the Dikwa–Ajiri highway, safeguarding major supply lines from potential sabotage.

Similarly, on Oct. 29, an ambush by troops of 192 Battalion in the Gwoza–Limankara axis left two terrorists dead, with seized bicycles and food items pointing to disrupted logistics channels. A follow-up night raid on the Bama–Konduga route saw insurgents fleeing under heavy gunfire as troops closed in from the Gezuwa–Sambisa axis.

The clampdown extended to Adamawa State, where 232 Battalion troops intercepted smugglers transporting petrol and motorcycles believed to be aiding terrorists. The suspects escaped, but the materials were confiscated for investigation.

In another breakthrough, troops arrested five suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP collaborators at Sabon Gari, Madagali, recovering camouflage uniforms, ammunition, and drugs used by insurgents.

Air power also played a crucial role, with precision strikes and reconnaissance missions bolstering ground operations and eliminating fleeing terrorists.

Lt.-Col. Uba said one AK-47 rifle, 98 rounds of ammunition, and four bicycles were recovered during follow-up raids. No military casualty was recorded.

The Military High Command lauded the troops’ gallantry and professionalism, reaffirming its commitment to total victory over terrorism and continued efforts to block supply lines and protect vulnerable communities across the North East.