Nine Terrorists Killed, Two Captives Freed as Troops Intensify North-East Offensive

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed nine Boko Haram terrorists and rescued two civilians who were carrying ransom money meant for the insurgents during coordinated operations in Gajiram and Magumeri areas of Borno State.

The spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Uba Sani, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, noting that the successful missions dealt a heavy blow to the terrorists, many of whom sustained injuries and fled in disarray.

According to the statement, troops launched a fighting patrol on October 10, 2025, following credible intelligence on the movement of terrorists around Goni Dunari in Magumeri Local Government Area.

“The terrorists, moving in two vehicles and accompanied by 24 foot fighters, were observed setting houses ablaze and terrorising residents,” Sani said. “Our troops swiftly mobilised and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle.”

As the troops advanced, the insurgents attempted to escape towards Damjiyakiri village, prompting a pursuit over 92 kilometres. After about four hours of engagement, troops made contact with the fleeing fighters, killing five terrorists and wounding several others.

Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle (Reg. No. 06798), five magazines (two loaded), 31 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a mobile phone, and a dagger. Lt. Col. Sani confirmed that no troops were injured or equipment lost in the encounter.

In a separate operation along the Gajiram–Bolori–Mile 40–Gajiganna axis near Zundur village, troops on motorcycles clashed with Boko Haram fighters, killing four terrorists and forcing others to flee.

During the operation, soldiers rescued Mr. Modu Kinnami (55) and Mr. Bukar (57), both from Guzamala, and recovered a sack containing ₦750,000. Preliminary investigations revealed the money was part of a ₦2 million ransom and two Tecno button phones demanded by the terrorists for the release of one of the victims’ brothers.

Other items recovered included a blue pickup truck (Reg. No. GUB 327 XA), two new Tecno phones, 30 litres of petrol, and a total of ₦4,355,000.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Sani confirmed that four soldiers were killed and five others injured on Friday when Boko Haram fighters attacked a military post in Ngamdu, along the Damaturu–Maiduguri Road in Kaga Local Government Area.

He added that counter-terrorism operations are ongoing across the North-East to sustain pressure on the insurgents and restrict their movement.