Operation Hadin Kai: Nigerian Troops Kill 9 Terrorists, Rescue 74 NYSC Members in Borno

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised nine terrorists at Yanaga Ari in Mafa Local Government Area, Borno State, and successfully rescued 74 abducted National Youth Service Corps members along the Buratai–Kamuya Road in Biu Local Government Area.

The developments were disclosed on Thursday by Lt. Col. Uba Sanni, Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai. He added that several weapons and logistical items were recovered during the military operation conducted on Tuesday.

The successes were attributed to a directive from the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, urging troops to maintain pressure on insurgent strongholds. “Following the Chief of Army Staff’s recent order to intensify offensive operations against terrorist remnants, troops of the Joint Task Force have continued to achieve significant results across the North-East,” Sanni stated.

As part of Operation Desert Sanity IV, troops of Sector 1, working with the Civilian Joint Task Force, engaged ISWAP terrorists at Yanaga Ari on 12 November 2025. “Nine terrorists were neutralised, and five AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and other logistical items were recovered,” Sanni reported.

On the rescue operation, Sanni explained that Sector 2 troops freed 74 NYSC members—36 males and 38 females—who had been abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP while en route to Hawul on a Christian evangelism mission. Their vehicles broke down near a known kidnapping hotspot at night.

“A military patrol swiftly responded after CCTV monitoring detected suspicious movements involving three buses at the scene,” he said. The rescued corps members are currently accommodated at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai Institute pending arrangements for safe relocation.

The military high command commended the troops for their bravery and proactivity, urging them to remain vigilant and committed to restoring lasting peace in the North-East. Sanni also appealed to the public to continue providing credible information to support ongoing operations against terrorism and criminality in the region.