Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai have eliminated 18 suspected terrorists and seized weapons during recent military operations in Borno State, marking a significant blow to insurgent activities in the region. The operations, conducted in Bulabulin Forest and the Timbuktu axis, were carried out by ground forces in coordination with the Nigerian Air Force. According to Lt Col Sani Uba, spokesperson for the Joint Task Force in the North-East, 11 terrorists were killed in Bulabulin, while seven were eliminated in the Timbuktu area. The military confirmed that these actions were part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore security in the northeast.
In Bulabulin Forest, soldiers cleared multiple terrorist hideouts in villages including Mar, Subdu, Yaro Lawanti, and Yaro Shuwari. During the operation, troops engaged insurgents in Malam Shiri village, using a well-coordinated strategy that included air support. “They used a well-coordinated strategy to defeat the terrorists, killing 11 and forcing others to escape with injuries,” Uba stated. After the clash, military personnel destroyed terrorist camps and recovered critical weapons, including nine AK-47 rifles, three heavy machine guns, five motorcycles, and materials used for manufacturing explosives.
In the Timbuktu axis, along the Wajiroko–Sabongari route, troops encountered another group of terrorists and killed seven during a fierce confrontation. Evidence at the scene indicated that additional fighters were either injured or killed, though exact numbers were not disclosed. The military also recovered rifles, rocket-propelled grenade tubes, ammunition, and communication devices from the area, further disrupting the insurgents’ operational capacity. The Air Force played a crucial role by providing aerial surveillance and conducting targeted strikes on confirmed terrorist positions and fleeing fighters.
Lt Col Uba emphasized that the air support significantly enhanced the effectiveness of ground troops, leading to greater success in neutralizing threats. He noted that the combined efforts of land and air forces have disrupted terrorist logistics and weakened their ability to launch attacks. The military remains committed to maintaining pressure on insurgent groups to ensure long-term peace and stability in the region. These operations reflect the government’s continued resolve to combat terrorism and protect civilians in the Northeast. As security forces continue their campaign, the hope is that sustained military gains will lead to lasting peace and the safe return of displaced persons to their communities.
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